The NFL franchise tag period kicks off today and will last until March 3 at 4 p.m. ET. However, don’t expect a flurry of announcements right away. Most teams tend to hold off until closer to the deadline before making their moves. Often, they’ll use the threat of a tag to motivate players toward a longer contract. If negotiations stall, then the tagging process begins.
After using a tag, teams have until July 15 to strike a long-term deal. If they can’t come to an agreement, the player will play under a one-year contract. It’s also possible to adjust the pay or include extras after the July deadline, as long as it’s a one-year arrangement.
Teams have three types of franchise tags:
Non-exclusive franchise tag: This is the most common choice. It offers the average salary of the top five players in that position over the last five years or 120% of the player’s previous salary, whichever is higher. The tagged player can talk to other teams, but the original team has the right to match any offers or can receive two first-round picks if the player signs elsewhere.
Exclusive franchise tag: This tag means only the original team can negotiate with the player, usually leading to higher salary offers. It uses the average salary of the top five players at the position for that current year or 120% of the player’s prior salary. This tag is often reserved for star players, like quarterbacks, whom other teams would likely pay a lot to acquire.
Transition tag: This option offers the average salary of the top ten players in the position. It gives the team the right of first refusal on any offers from other teams. However, if the team chooses not to match an offer, they don’t receive any compensation.
Understanding these tags can shed light on player negotiations and team strategies. As the deadline approaches, expect to see how teams handle their stars. Recent trends show that teams are becoming more strategic about their tag decisions, balancing immediate needs with long-term investment.
According to a recent survey by ESPN, over 60% of NFL executives believe the franchise tag system needs reform. Some suggest it limits player mobility and only benefits the teams. It’ll be interesting to watch how this debate unfolds as teams face the franchise tag countdown.
In social media, fans are already buzzing about which players might get tagged. Discussions around potential quarterbacks and star players dominate the chatter this season, showcasing how invested fans are in these decisions.
For a deeper dive into the franchise tag system and its implications, refer to the NFL’s official website.
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