What is the NFL franchise tag? How does it work?

The NFL franchise tag serves as a strategic tool for teams to retain key players during the off-season. By applying this tag, a team can secure a player with a one-year contract, preventing them from entering free agency and exploring opportunities with other franchises. This mechanism is vital for teams looking to maintain their competitive edge as they prepare for the upcoming season.

What is the NFL franchise tag?

The NFL franchise tag is a contractual option that enables teams to keep a player from departing for another team during free agency. When a player receives the franchise tag, they are offered a one-year contract that guarantees their return to the team for the upcoming season.

Any player eligible for free agency can be tagged, but teams have three distinct types of franchise tags at their disposal.

What are the different types of NFL franchise tags?

  • Exclusive franchise tag: This tag prevents players from negotiating with other teams. Teams must offer either the average salary of the top five players at the same position for the current year or 120% of the player’s previous salary.
  • Non-exclusive franchise tag: With this tag, players can negotiate with other teams, but the original team has the right to match any offers. If they choose not to match, the new team must compensate the original team with two first-round draft picks.
  • Transition tag: Similar to the non-exclusive tag, the transition tag bases its salary on the average of the top 10 highest players at the same position. However, if the player receives an offer that is not matched, the original team does not receive compensatory draft picks.

How much does a tagged player make in the upcoming season?

The financial implications of a franchise tag vary based on the player’s position and the type of tag applied. For a non-exclusive tag, the player’s salary is determined by the greater of two amounts: the average of the top five salaries at their position over the past five years or 120% of their previous salary. In contrast, a transition tag is valued at the average of the top 10 salaries for that position.

When is the NFL franchise tag deadline in 2025?

For the 2025 season, the NFL franchise tag deadline is set for March 4 at 4 p.m. ET. The window for applying franchise tags opened on February 18, allowing teams to strategize and secure their key players before the free agency frenzy begins.

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