Unlocking the NFL Franchise Tag: Top 5 Players Likely to Be Tagged This Offseason

During the NFL offseason, contract talks often swirl around star players. This is especially true for players facing the possibility of a franchise tag. So, what exactly is a franchise tag?

A franchise tag is a one-year contract that NFL teams can apply to a player who is about to become a free agent. It allows the team to keep a player while guaranteeing them a salary based on market averages.

There are two types of franchise tags: exclusive and non-exclusive. An exclusive tag prevents a player from negotiating with other teams, ensuring they receive a salary that is either the average of the top five salaries for their position or 120% of their previous salary—whichever is higher.

The non-exclusive tag allows players to talk to other teams and potentially sign a deal. If they do, the original team can match the offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation. The salary for a non-exclusive tag is based on the prior five years’ top salaries or 120% of their last salary, again whichever is higher.

Teams often prefer the non-exclusive tag because it carries a lower salary combined with the potential to gain strong compensation if the player signs elsewhere.

It’s important to note that the franchise tag isn’t the only option teams have. The transition tag, though rarely used, gives teams the right of first refusal when a player receives an offer from another team.

A player can be tagged several times, but each time it gets more expensive. After a second tag, the player earns at least 120% of their last salary. A third tag could result in the highest salary among top players at their position or the average for the highest-paid position, usually quarterbacks.

For instance, Walter Jones from the Seahawks was tagged three seasons in a row before a change to the rules made it costlier for teams to use the tag multiple times.

Who Might Get Tagged in 2025?

As teams look ahead to the offseason, there are a few players who might receive a franchise tag. However, not all are guaranteed a tag since it can lead to very high salaries that some teams may not want to pay.

• Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals): After being tagged last season, Higgins could be tagged again. This could push his salary from about $21 million to around $26 million. Meanwhile, the Bengals also need to deal with another top receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, making it a tricky decision.
• Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings): Darnold had a strong year and the Vikings might use the tag to keep him, especially given the uncertainty around rookie J.J. McCarthy’s recovery from injury. A franchise tag for Darnold could mean a salary of around $40 million, but he may attract interest from other teams too.
• Trey Smith (Kansas City Chiefs): After earning his first Pro Bowl nod, keeping Smith might cost the Chiefs around $25 million—an expensive proposition given their other roster needs.
• Jevon Holland (Miami Dolphins): Holland shows promise but with a projected salary of about $19 million, the Dolphins might hesitate, especially since his contract last season was much lower.
• Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles): Baun had a standout season, but the Eagles rarely use the franchise tag. Committing to a $27 million salary for him seems unlikely.

Can Players Say No?

Franchise tags can feel limiting for players, as teams can place them on athletes without negotiation. Some players resist through holdouts, which can extend into training camp or even the season. For example, Le’Veon Bell sat out an entire season after being tagged, later signing with the New York Jets. Similarly, Davante Adams was tagged by the Packers but ultimately secured a trade to the Raiders.

Players also sometimes file grievances against franchise tags. For instance, Drew Brees challenged the tag he received from the Saints, arguing that limits on tags should apply across different teams. He won, setting a precedent for future disputes.

The Origins of the Franchise Tag

The franchise tag was born out of negotiations between the NFLPA and team owners in 1993. It was a way to create a form of free agency while implementing a salary cap. The concept was initially aimed at protecting star quarterbacks, ensuring that teams would not lose their key players to free agency. Over time, however, teams began using it on various players to maintain control over emerging talents.

As negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements continue, the tag remains a topic of discussion, though efforts to eliminate it have not gained much traction.