NFL Offseason and the Franchise Tag: A Tool for Retaining Talent
The 2025 NFL offseason is in full swing, and with it comes the critical period where teams can use the franchise tag to retain their top free agents. Before the free agency begins, teams that are unable to reach a long-term agreement with a player can apply the franchise tag, ensuring that the player remains with the team for at least one more year at a predefined, league-wide value. This strategy is particularly useful for clubs that want to hold onto their stars without committing to a longer, more expensive contract. The window for applying the franchise tag runs from February 18 to March 4, and despite its declining usage, several teams are expected to leverage it to keep their high-value players in the fold.
Tee Higgins: Bengals’ Star Wide Receiver Tagged Again
On Tuesday, March 3, the Cincinnati Bengals officially placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, a move that was anticipated by many. Higgins, who was projected to be the top free agent wide receiver and possibly the top free agent overall, will now remain with the Bengals for the 2025 season at a tag value of $26.2 million. This marks the second consecutive year that the Bengals have used their franchise tag on Higgins. Last year, the Bengals tagged Higgins without much discussion of a long-term deal, making him the only player who was franchised without eventually signing a multi-year extension. However, this year, the team is determined to secure Higgins for the long haul. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals are hopeful that after Higgins plays the 2025 season under the franchise tag, they will be able to negotiate a more extensive contract to keep him in Cincinnati for years to come. Higgins himself acknowledged the news on Twitter, showing his gratitude and readiness to continue his journey with the Bengals.
Trey Smith: Chiefs’ Offensive Lineman Set to Be Tagged
The Kansas City Chiefs are also set to use the franchise tag, targeting offensive guard Trey Smith. On February 27, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs plan to apply the non-exclusive franchise tag to Smith, who has become a cornerstone of their offensive line. Smith, a sixth-round draft pick in 2021, has been a revelation for the Chiefs, helping the team win two Super Bowls and earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024. In his four NFL seasons, Smith has missed only one game, demonstrating his durability and reliability. The tag will lock Smith in for the 2025 season at an estimated value of $23.4 million, ensuring that Kansas City retains one of its most valuable assets as they aim to remain competitive in the AFC. While the team has not ruled out a long-term deal in the future, the franchise tag provides a temporary solution to keep Smith on the roster and maintain the offensive line’s cohesion.
Franchise Tag Values for the 2025 Offseason
The NFL’s franchise tag system comes with predefined values for each position, reflecting the current market rates and player importance. For the 2025 offseason, the non-exclusive franchise tag values are as follows: quarterbacks at $40.242 million, wide receivers at $23.959 million, tight ends at $13.826 million, offensive linemen at $23.402 million, defensive ends at $22.062 million, defensive tackles at $25.123 million, linebackers at $25.452 million, cornerbacks at $20.187 million, safeties at $18.601 million, and kickers/punters at $6.313 million. These figures are designed to be high enough to deter players from accepting a one-year tag without the prospect of a more lucrative long-term deal, but they also serve as a safety net for teams that need to keep their star players from entering free agency.
Transition Tag Values for the 2025 Offseason
In addition to the franchise tag, the NFL also offers a transition tag, which is a one-year tender that matches the average of the top 10 players at a player’s position. The transition tag values for the 2025 offseason are as follows: quarterbacks at $35.377 million, running backs at $11.067 million, wide receivers at $21.441 million, tight ends at $11.712 million, offensive linemen at $21.271 million, defensive ends at $19.872 million, defensive tackles at $20.849 million, linebackers at $20.862 million, cornerbacks at $17.595 million, safeties at $15.027 million, and kickers/punters at $5.730 million. The transition tag is less commonly used but can be a valuable tool for teams that want to keep a player at a lower rate compared to the franchise tag. It also allows other teams to negotiate with the tagged player, who can receive an offer, but the original team has the right to match it.
Strategic Considerations and Future Plans
The decision to use the franchise tag is not taken lightly by teams. It involves a delicate balance of financial prudence and the desire to retain top talent. For players like Tee Higgins and Trey Smith, being tagged can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it guarantees a significant payday for the upcoming season, but it also puts pressure on both the player and the team to reach a long-term agreement. Higgins, for instance, has expressed a willingness to stay with the Bengals, but the team will need to show they are committed to securing his future with a multi-year deal. Similarly, Smith’s performance and reliability make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs, but a long-term contract would ensure his continued growth and development within the organization. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as teams and players navigate these negotiations, with the hope of finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on the 2025 Season
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the use of the franchise tag will have a significant impact on team dynamics and player morale. For the Bengals and Chiefs, retaining Higgins and Smith, respectively, through the franchise tag provides stability and continuity on the field. Both players have proven their worth and are integral to their teams’ success. However, the tag is a temporary measure, and teams will be keen to work out long-term deals to avoid the annual uncertainty of the franchise tag. The upcoming months will be critical as teams and agents engage in discussions and attempt to reach agreements that benefit both parties. The NFL remains a business, but it’s also a league where talent and teamwork are paramount, and the franchise tag is just one of the many tools used to maintain that balance.
