The NFL’s Franchise Tag Deadline: A Recap
The NFL’s franchise tag deadline has come and gone, marking a pivotal moment in the league’s offseason. Teams had until March 4, 2025, to designate players they wanted to retain with the franchise tag, a powerful tool that allows teams to keep their top talent from becoming unrestricted free agents. Here’s a breakdown of the key players who received the tag and those who could have been tagged but ultimately were not.
Players Tagged
Two notable players received the franchise tag this year:
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Trey Smith, Offensive Lineman, Kansas City Chiefs: Smith, a stalwart on the Chiefs’ offensive line, was tagged to ensure the team retains his talents. This move underscores the Chiefs’ commitment to maintaining a strong offensive line to support their dynamic offense led by Patrick Mahomes.
- Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals opted to tag Higgins for the second consecutive year, demonstrating their resolve to keep one of their most prolific receivers. Higgins has been a crucial part of the Bengals’ passing game and has consistently produced at a high level.
Players Who Could Have Been Tagged
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Osa Odighizuwa, Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys managed to avoid using the franchise tag on Odighizuwa by signing him to a four-year, $80 million deal. This move provides stability and depth to their defensive line, a position critical to their overall strategy.
- Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings: Darnold, despite being a logical candidate for the tag, was not tagged due to the high financial implications. The $40.2 million price tag for quarterbacks was deemed too steep by the Vikings, who were looking to maintain cap flexibility for other roster moves.
Understanding the Franchise Tag
The franchise tag is a designation used by NFL teams to retain one player who would otherwise become an unrestricted free agent. It comes in three forms: exclusive, non-exclusive, and transition tags. Each type has its own rules and financial implications:
- Exclusive Tag: This tag offers a contract worth no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position or 120% of the player’s previous salary, whichever is higher. The player cannot negotiate with other teams and must stay with the tagging team.
- Non-Exclusive Tag: Similar to the exclusive tag in terms of salary, but the player can negotiate with other teams. If another team makes an offer, the original team can match it or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
- Transition Tag: This tag requires a contract no less than the average of the top 10 salaries at the player’s position. Players can negotiate with other teams, but there is no guaranteed draft compensation if they sign elsewhere.
2024 Franchise Tag Values
The 2024 NFL franchise tag values are as follows:
- Quarterback: $40.242 million
- Running Back: $13.64 million
- Wide Receiver: $23.959 million
- Tight End: $13.826 million
- Offensive Line: $23.4 million
- Defensive End: $22.0625 million
- Defensive Tackle: $25.12 million
- Linebacker: $25.45 million
- Cornerback: $20.187 million
- Safety: $18.601 million
- Punter/Kicker: $6.313 million
Impact on Teams and Players
The franchise tag has significant implications for both teams and players. For teams, it provides a way to retain key players while offering some financial predictability. However, it can also limit cap space, making it a strategic decision that must be weighed carefully. For players, the tag can be a double-edged sword. While it guarantees a substantial salary, it can also delay long-term security and the opportunity to sign with a team that might offer a better fit.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL offseason progresses, teams will continue to make critical decisions regarding their rosters. The decisions not to tag certain players, such as Sam Darnold, highlight the financial and strategic considerations that go into these choices. Meanwhile, players like Trey Smith and Tee Higgins now face the opportunity to negotiate long-term deals that could solidify their futures with their respective teams. The franchise tag remains a vital tool in the league’s player retention arsenal, and its impact will be felt throughout the upcoming season.
