2025 NFL franchise tag tracker: Tee Higgins leads list of candidates (again)

As NFL teams prepare for the upcoming league year, which officially begins on March 12, they are currently allowed to utilize the franchise tag to secure impending free agents. The franchise tag window is open until March 4 at 4 p.m. ET, during which teams can designate a tag on one player per year. This article provides an overview of the franchise tag mechanism, the types of tags available, potential candidates for tagging, and the timeline for contract negotiations between players and teams.

Understanding the Franchise Tag Mechanism

The franchise tag is a crucial tool for NFL teams, allowing them to retain players at the end of their contracts without entering free agency. This mechanism enables teams to keep key players on the roster while working to negotiate long-term deals. The tag essentially binds the player to the team for one additional year, ensuring that they remain with the organization even if they do not finalize a contract extension immediately. The decision to use the franchise tag can significantly influence the financial and strategic aspects of team management.

This process is particularly important in the highly competitive landscape of the NFL, where teams often face tough choices regarding player retention. The utilization of the franchise tag helps teams manage salary cap constraints while giving them extra time to assess their players’ value and negotiate contracts that reflect their contributions. This situation is especially pertinent for teams with key talent that they want to keep around but are unsure of committing to long-term contracts due to financial or performance uncertainties.

Different Types of Franchise Tags

There are three primary types of franchise tags that NFL teams can use: the exclusive tag, the non-exclusive tag, and the transition tag. The exclusive franchise tag prohibits the player from negotiating with any other teams; thus, the player cannot receive offers from rival teams.

“Its value is based on the current average salary of the five highest-paid players at a position,”

explains a league source. This type of tag represents a significant investment but guarantees the player’s loyalty to the organization for at least one more season.

The non-exclusive tag allows players to negotiate with other teams while their current organization retains the right to match any offer made. As noted by league experts,

“Its value is based on the average salary of the five highest-paid players at a position over the past five years.”

This version of the tag is the most commonly used, as it provides teams with a degree of leverage while still allowing players the opportunity to seek competitive contracts elsewhere.

Lastly, the transition tag permits players to negotiate with other organizations, but their current team has the right to match any offer made. Its value is determined by the average salary of the ten highest-paid players at a position. This type of tag offers flexibility for both the player and team, as it maintains the potential for negotiations while allowing teams to strategically decide whether to retain their talent.

Key Dates for Tagging and Contract Negotiations

Timing is critical when it comes to the franchise tag. Teams using the exclusive or non-exclusive tag must negotiate a long-term contract with the tagged player by July 15. If an agreement is not reached by this deadline, the player must sign their one-year tender by November 11. The one-year tender generally reflects the player’s current franchise tag value, which can be considerably different than what the player may seek in a long-term agreement.

For those players tagged under the transition label, the deadline for a long-term contract extends slightly longer, allowing until July 21. This gives teams a few extra days to solidify deals with players they believe contribute significantly to their operations. The time frame set by the league allows both teams and players to enter negotiations with a clear understanding of the implications of the franchise tag on their financial and career prospects.

Notable Franchise Tag Candidates

As teams prepare to announce their franchise tag designations, several players have emerged as significant candidates. One notable name is Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. Higgins played under the franchise tag last season and could potentially receive a 120% increase in his salary if tagged again. His performance on the field has made him a valuable asset to the Bengals, who are expected to weigh their options carefully.

Other candidates include Trey McBride, tight end for the Arizona Cardinals, and Ronnie Stanley, offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens. Each of these players has a proven track record, making them prime candidates for potential franchise tagging as teams look to secure their most impactful players for the next season. Other mentions include Osa Odighizuwa of the Dallas Cowboys and Carlton Davis III from the Detroit Lions, indicating that various teams across the league are contemplating their franchise tag options as the deadline approaches.

The anticipation around these players showcases the strategic decisions teams must undertake as they balance salary cap management with the need to retain valuable talent in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

The Impact of the Franchise Tag on Players and Teams

The franchise tag system has profound implications for both players and teams. For players, being tagged can provide a lucrative financial opportunity, offering a significant salary for a single season at a coveted position. However, it can also create a sense of uncertainty and frustration, particularly for those who desire long-term security and commitment from their teams. Players may feel trapped under the franchise tag, which can lead to tension and reduced morale, especially if they believe their contributions are not fully recognized or compensated.

From the team perspective, using the franchise tag can help secure key players while teams assess long-term strategies related to player contracts. This security allows teams to evaluate a player’s upcoming performance, assess cap space, and decide the best way to proceed with contract negotiations post-in-season. However, if mismanaged, the franchise-tagging process can lead to discord between players and management, impacting team dynamics and performance on the field.

Ultimately, the franchise tag remains a critical aspect of the NFL’s contractual landscape, balancing both the interests of the organization and the players they rely on for success.