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. This two-week window opens on Tuesday and runs until 4 p.m. ET on March 4. During this time, each NFL team has the opportunity to tag one player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, effectively keeping them with the franchise for the 2025 season.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a franchise tag? Well, it’s a tool that teams can use to retain a player for one more year, and the cost is based on the top five annual salaries at the player’s position. It’s a strategic move, as the price increases each time a player is tagged. Teams must weigh the pros and cons of paying the franchise tag price, extending the player, or possibly tagging him while continuing to negotiate a long-term deal.
Last year, nine players were tagged, and it led to some interesting moves. For instance, the Carolina Panthers tagged pass rusher Brian Burns and then traded him to the New York Giants just a week later. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs tagged cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and traded him to the Tennessee Titans before March was out.
So, who are the potential franchise tag candidates this year? Let’s take a closer look at each NFL team and their situations:
- Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals don’t have any free agents this offseason whom they need to use the tag on. They addressed their big free agents during the season, extending safety Budda Baker and running back James Conner.
- Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons’ highest-profile free agents include edge rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons, but both are in their 30s and didn’t produce as expected last season.
- Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have used the franchise tag for the past two seasons, but this year, they don’t have a candidate for the tag, and they lack the salary cap room even if there were one.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have not used the franchise tag in the past seven offseasons under general manager Brandon Beane, and it seems unlikely they will this year.
- Carolina Panthers: This is a young team in rebuild mode, and none of its 21 free agents is so valuable to the rebuild that Carolina would want to go this far to keep him.
As we dive deeper into the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins have a potential candidate in safety Jevon Holland. However, paying nearly $20 million after he failed to record an interception in 2024 seems unreasonable. The Dolphins should either figure out a long-term agreement or allow him to test free agency.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have a light free agent class, headlined by cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. None of them are at the caliber in which a tag would be part of any negotiation to retain them.
Over in the New York Jets camp, seven starters are poised to become unrestricted free agents, none of whom is considered tag-worthy. Cornerback D.J. Reed is expected to test the market, as the tag amount for a corner is expected to exceed $20 million, too rich for the Jets.
As we move to the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals have an interesting situation with wide receiver Tee Higgins. After playing on the tag in 2024, he is eyeing a long-term deal. Tagging Higgins for a second straight year would give the Bengals the opportunity to negotiate a new deal or use it as a trade chip.
In the AFC South, the Houston Texans have wideout Stefon Diggs hitting free agency, but he’s coming off a torn ACL and will be 32 in 2025. The franchise tag for wideouts will be almost $26 million, which is a higher yearly salary than what Texans No. 1 receiver Nico Collins makes.
As we look at the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys have defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa as a potential candidate, but at a projected cost of more than $23 million against the cap, it’s just too pricey.
In the NFC North, the Chicago Bears used the franchise tag in 2024 as a placeholder on cornerback Jaylon Johnson to execute a long-term deal just two days later. This year, their top two pending free agents, receiver Keenan Allen and guard Teven Jenkins, wouldn’t qualify for the tag for a number of reasons.
Finally, in the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers have plenty of free agents they want to keep but none that they can afford to value at what the cost of the tag would require. Their focus is on extensions for players such as quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.
As the franchise tag window opens, teams across the league will be making strategic decisions that could shape their rosters for the upcoming season. It’s a time of anticipation and speculation, and fans will be eagerly watching to see which players get tagged and which ones hit the open market.
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
