The new league year doesn’t officially begin until March 12, but before that, NFL teams can lock in an impending free agent with the franchise tag.
The franchise tag window is open from now until March 4 at 4 p.m. ET. Teams can place their designated tag on one player per year. There are three different versions available, and their value depends on a player’s position and whether he has been previously tagged. Here’s the quick rundown, but if you want more details, be sure to check out our explainer:
- Exclusive tag, which means a player can’t negotiate with other teams. Its value is based on the current average salary of the five highest-paid players at a position.
- Non-exclusive tag, which means a player can still negotiate with other teams. Its value is based on the average salary of the five highest-paid players at a position over the past five years. This is the tag most often used.
- Transition tag, which means a player can negotiate with other teams and his current team can match any offer he receives. Its value is based on the average of the 10 highest-paid players at a position.
A franchise-tagged player and his team have until July 15 (exclusive and non-exclusive) or July 21 (transition) to work out a long-term extension. If the deadline passes before a deal is reached, then he has until Nov. 11 to sign his one-year tender.
[Related: Ranking the top 100 free agents in 2025]
Below, we’ll be tracking which players have been tagged so far and who could be next.
Players who have been tagged
Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith
The Chiefs used their tag on Smith rather than risk losing their steady 25-year-old guard. Smith, ranked No. 2 on FOX Sports’ top 100 free agents list, has started all but one game for Kansas City in his four-year career. He recorded a low sack percentage (0.2) this past season while protecting Patrick Mahomes. If Smith and the Chiefs don’t agree to a long-term deal, he’ll earn $23.4 million on the one-year tag.
Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins
Higgins is back on the franchise tag again. The Bengals have placed the standout wide receiver on the franchise tag for the second straight season, he shared on Monday. Higgins, who was ranked as the No. 1 player on FOX Sports’ top 100 free agents list, likely would’ve garnered a lot of attention in the free agent market had he not been tagged. He recorded 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2024, doing so in just 12 games. Higgins can negotiate a contract with other teams, but any team that signs him would have to forfeit two first-round picks if the Bengals refuse to match the offer sheet. Teams can also negotiate a trade with the Bengals to potentially acquire Higgins.
Higgins’ cap number with the franchise tag is set at $26.16 million.
Expected to be tagged
Dallas Cowboys DL Osa Odighizuwa (report)
Not expected to be tagged
Miami Dolphins S Jevon Holland (report)
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold
The Vikings are not expected to use their franchise tag on Darnold, though they are still interested in bringing him back in 2025, according to ESPN.
Franchise tag candidates
Baltimore Ravens OL Ronnie Stanley
Detroit Lions DB Carlton Davis III
Philadelphia Eagles LB Zack Baun and DL Josh Sweat
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2025-03-03 22:43:41