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 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 by offering them a one-year contract. The salary for this contract is based on the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. The price tag increases each time a player is tagged, making it a strategic decision for teams. They must weigh the cost of the tag against the potential of extending the player or even tagging them while continuing to negotiate a long-term deal.
Last year, nine players were tagged, and interestingly, two of them were traded shortly after. 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 was out. These moves highlight the dynamic nature of the franchise tag and how it can be used as a strategic tool in team building.
So, who are the potential candidates for the franchise tag this year? Let’s take a closer look at each NFL team and their possible franchise tag candidates:
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have a history of signing players to extensions before they hit free agency, and they haven’t used the franchise tag in the past seven offseasons under general manager Brandon Beane. This year, it seems unlikely that they’ll break that trend.
- Miami Dolphins: Safety Jevon Holland could be considered, but with a price tag nearing $20 million and no interceptions in 2024, it seems unreasonable. The Dolphins are more likely to negotiate a long-term deal or let him test free agency.
- New England Patriots: The Patriots’ free agent class is light, with players like Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise Jr. not quite reaching the caliber that would warrant a franchise tag.
- New York Jets: With seven starters poised to become unrestricted free agents, none are considered tag-worthy. Cornerback D.J. Reed might attract interest, but the tag amount for a corner is expected to exceed $20 million, which is too rich for the Jets.
As we move through the divisions, the story remains similar for many teams. The Baltimore Ravens, for instance, have used the franchise tag in the past two seasons but don’t have a candidate this year due to salary cap constraints. The Cincinnati Bengals might consider tagging wide receiver Tee Higgins again, especially with quarterback Joe Burrow’s insistence on keeping great players like Higgins around.
In the AFC South, the Houston Texans have wideout Stefon Diggs hitting free agency, but with a torn ACL and a high price tag, it’s unlikely they’ll use the franchise tag. The Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans also have free agents but none that seem worthy of the tag.
Over in the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys have defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa as a potential candidate, but the cost might be prohibitive. The New York Giants’ top free agent, Darius Slayton, doesn’t quite reach the level needed for a franchise tag, and the Philadelphia Eagles haven’t used the tag since 2012, preferring other team-building strategies.
As we look at the NFC North, the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers all have free agents but none that seem likely to receive the franchise tag. The Minnesota Vikings might consider using the tag on quarterback Sam Darnold, but it’s an expensive option.
In the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons have some high-profile free agents, but the cost of the tag might be too high. The Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all have free agents but none that seem likely to receive the tag.
Finally, in the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks all have free agents but none that seem likely to receive the franchise tag.
As the franchise tag window opens, teams will be making strategic decisions that could shape their rosters for the upcoming season. Whether it’s using the tag to retain a key player, negotiating a long-term deal, or even trading a tagged player, the next few weeks will be crucial for NFL teams as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
