NFL Offseason Begins with Franchise Tag Window Opening

The NFL offseason kicks off today, marking the start of the franchise tag period. From February 17 to March 3, teams have the opportunity to utilize one of three available tags on players heading into free agency, thereby keeping them from entering the market.

There are three types of tags teams can choose from: the “transition” tag, the “exclusive” tag, and the “non-exclusive” tag. This article will explore these tags, review players tagged last season, and highlight some players to watch as potential candidates for tagging this year.

Transition tags are less frequently used compared to non-exclusive franchise tags. When a player is given a transition tag, they receive a one-year deal with a salary based on the average cap percentages and the highest annual salary for that position from the previous year or 120% of their previous salary—whichever amount is greater.

Transition tags tend to be less expensive than both non-exclusive and exclusive franchise tags, based on data from the past decade.

Nevertheless, there are drawbacks for teams. Players tagged this way can still negotiate offers with other teams, and if their current team doesn’t match the offer, they can sign elsewhere without the original team receiving any compensation.

Exclusive franchise tags are also not common. In this scenario, players cannot deal with other teams. However, it comes at a higher cost. For those with an exclusive tag, the one-year salary is determined by the average of the top five salaries for that position for the current year or 120% of their previous salary.

This reliance on current salary data generally results in higher figures compared to averages based on historical data used with other types of tags.

If a team uses an exclusive tag, the player would only have the option to play for another team through a trade.

Special tags are quite rare as well. Since 2012, only four players have received this designation: Drew Brees in 2012, Von Miller in 2016, Kirk Cousins in 2017, and Le’Veon Bell in 2017.

The most commonly used tag each offseason is the non-exclusive tag. Players under this tag receive one-year contracts based on averages of the top five salaries at their position over the last five years or 120% of their prior salaries, whichever is greater. It’s costlier than a transition tag but cheaper than an exclusive franchise tag.

Still, players tagged under non-exclusive terms can negotiate with other teams, and if they receive an offer from another team, their current team can match it. If they choose not to match, they risk losing the player and gaining two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Can a Player Be Tagged Consecutively?

A player can receive the franchise tag up to three times, whether consecutively or not. However, each tagging comes with an increased cost. If a player is tagged a second time, there’s an automatic 20% salary increase, and by the third tag, there’s a 44% salary jump compared to the previous year.

Interestingly, just last year, a player was tagged for two consecutive seasons.

Estimated tag values for both franchise and transition tags for the 2026 season are currently under consideration and will be confirmed by the NFL soon.

Recent Franchise Tag Recipients

Last season, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith were tagged. This is the second year in a row that Higgins has received the franchise tag, but team management has also been exploring long-term contracts for him and fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase to keep this dynamic duo intact.

The Chiefs spent months negotiating with Smith on a contract extension, finalizing a four-year agreement worth potentially $94 million just ahead of the deadline for long-term deals.

Players to Watch This Season

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

One player worth watching is George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding him, especially since the team has publicly expressed a desire for him to stay in Dallas. Owner Jerry Jones is known for keeping the Cowboys in the news, so using the franchise tag could signal movement toward a long-term deal.

Kyle Pitts Sr., TE, Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts had a somewhat rocky start after being drafted out of Florida. Yet, last season, he emerged as one of the top tight ends, ranking second in receptions and yards while scoring five touchdowns. The Falcons might use the franchise tag to assess their commitment before deciding on a long-term deal.

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

The New York Jets have made significant progress on both sides of the field. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are pivotal for the offense, and Hall appears poised for a strong season ahead. Being only 24, it might be an opportune moment for a long-term contract.

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks GM John Schneider has used the franchise tag twice before. While Super Bowl-winning teams don’t typically tag players, this could be his third time. With Zach Charbonnet sidelined due to an ACL tear, retaining Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker might become a pressing need.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Finally, Alec Pierce of the Colts could be tagged, given his emergence as a notable deep threat last season. There’s significant expected interest, so tagging him might be a strategic move to prevent loss in free agency.