As the NFL offseason sets the stage for strategic roster maneuvers, franchise tags remain a pivotal tool for teams aiming to retain elite talent within the league. Offering a blend of opportunity and constraint, franchise tags have nuanced implications that can shape team dynamics and player futures. In 2025, NFL teams will have a 15-day window from February 18 to March 4 to exercise this contractual option, a timeline that demands swift and strategic decision-making.
The Franchise Tag: A Dual Approach
Franchise tags come in two forms: exclusive and non-exclusive. The non-exclusive tag, calculated based on either 120% of the player’s previous salary or the average of the top five salaries at their position (whichever is higher), allows players to negotiate with other teams. However, the current team retains the right to match any offers, adding a layer of competitive tension to player negotiations. Conversely, exclusive franchise tags deliver the highest salary calculation but prevent the player from engaging with other teams, providing teams a simpler approach to retain their top tier stars.
Offering less certainty, transition tags, determined based on the average salary of the top ten players at a position—with an inclusion of a 120% provision—do not guarantee compensation if offers go unmatched. This makes them an option fraught with risk for teams hesitant to commit fully to a franchise tag.
Recent Franchise Tag Trends
Over the past three years, franchise tags have been utilized 22 times, averaging about seven applications annually. However, between 2021 and 2023, fewer than half of players who were tagged successfully secured longer-term deals. Interestingly, a recent year saw seven of eight players with franchise tags sign multiyear agreements, suggesting a potential shift in how teams and players negotiate beyond the initial tag year. As one source noted, “The franchise tag operated more like it was originally intended this year,” highlighting an evolving landscape where franchise tags catalyze rather than restrict long-term contracts.
Projected Salary Cap and Team Strategies
The NFL salary cap for 2025 is projected to lie between $265 million and $275 million, a figure that significantly influences team strategies. The Minnesota Vikings, for example, are juggling their budget with Sam Darnold on a $10 million one-year “bridge” deal. With his current contract, the Vikings face the prospect of freeing up $65 million in cap space if Darnold departs—a scenario that pushes them towards making a crucial decision regarding Darnold’s future with the team. Should they allow him to leave without a franchise tag, the Vikings might forego a 2026 compensatory draft pick. As posited by one source, “There’s a possibility that the Vikings wouldn’t get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency.”
The Cincinnati Bengals recently showcased the weight of financial commitment in player retention, placing a $21.816 million franchise tag on Tee Higgins. On the other hand, Chris Godwin represents a cautionary tale where repeated tagging could create an unaffordable salary scenario due to calculation methods—illustrating the financial balancing act teams must navigate.
Team and Player Movements
The offseason also witnesses high-profile player transfers, significantly impacting team rosters. Russell Wilson's move to the Pittsburgh Steelers after leaving the Denver Broncos showcases the dynamic nature of player careers within the league. Similarly, the situation with Darnold remains fluid, as his potential entry into free agency might position him as the top quarterback available on the open market. While the Vikings face the possible loss of a key player, there's speculation around using a franchise tag for potential trades. “Since Darnold would clearly be the top quarterback available on the open market, using a franchise tag to trade him isn’t out of the question,” a source mentioned, illustrating the multifaceted strategies teams employ during the offseason.
As teams navigate these complex scenarios, the offseason serves not merely as a time for rest but as a critical phase where thoughtful decisions could chart the course of NFL franchises for years to come. Embracing both the opportunities and constraints of franchise tags, teams must balance immediate needs with long-term goals in this ever-competitive landscape.