NFL Franchise Tag Window Opens: What to Expect
As the NFL gears up for another exciting offseason, one of the most intriguing periods is upon us: the franchise tag window. Opening this Tuesday and running until 4 p.m. ET on March 4, this two-week window allows each team to tag one player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. This move ensures that the player remains with the franchise for the 2025 season, but it comes with its own set of challenges and strategic decisions.
Franchise tag figures are calculated based on the top five annual salaries at each position, and the cost increases each time a player is tagged. This means teams must carefully weigh their options: is it worth paying the franchise tag price, should they extend the player, or perhaps tag him while continuing to negotiate a long-term deal?
Last year, nine players were tagged, with two of them subsequently traded. The Carolina Panthers tagged pass rusher Brian Burns, only to trade him to the New York Giants a week later. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs tagged cornerback L’Jarius Sneed before trading him to the Tennessee Titans before March ended.
Let’s take a closer look at each NFL team and their potential franchise tag candidates:
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have a history of signing players to extensions before they hit free agency, and under general manager Brandon Beane, they haven’t used the franchise tag in the past seven offseasons. While the Bills face some big decisions regarding the cap and the draft, using the tag isn’t one of them. — Alaina Getzenberg
- Miami Dolphins: Safety Jevon Holland is the only player who might be considered for the tag, but paying nearly $20 million after a season without an interception seems unreasonable. The Dolphins are likely to either negotiate a long-term deal or let him test free agency. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
- New England Patriots: With a light free agent class, the Patriots aren’t considering the franchise tag. Cornerback Jonathan Jones, defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., and quarterback Jacoby Brissett are productive but not at the level where a tag would be necessary. — Mike Reiss
- New York Jets: With seven starters set to become unrestricted free agents, none are considered tag-worthy. The Jets are looking to make changes under a new regime rather than retain older players. Cornerback D.J. Reed is expected to test the market. — Rich Cimini
As we move to the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens have used the franchise tag in the past two seasons but don’t have a candidate this year. The Cincinnati Bengals might consider tagging wide receiver Tee Higgins again, while the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers face cap challenges that make tagging players unlikely.
In the AFC South, the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars have no strong candidates for the tag, while the Tennessee Titans lack franchise-altering players in their free agent class.
Over in the AFC West, the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to use the tag due to cap constraints, while the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers don’t have players worthy of the tag cost.
In the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys might consider defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, but the cost is prohibitive. The New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders have no players that fit the tag criteria.
Moving to the NFC North, the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers have no strong candidates for the tag, while the Minnesota Vikings might consider using it on cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
In the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints face cap challenges that make tagging players unlikely, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are focused on re-signing Chris Godwin without using the tag.
Finally, in the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks have no players that warrant the franchise tag this offseason.
As the franchise tag window opens, teams across the league will be making strategic decisions that could shape their rosters for the upcoming season. Whether it’s retaining key players or letting them test free agency, the next two weeks will be crucial for NFL franchises.
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
