The NFL offseason is often a time of reflection and anticipation, with teams reshaping their rosters and strategies in preparation for the upcoming season. One key element of this process is the use of franchise tags, a tool that allows teams to retain top talent while navigating the complexities of the salary cap. In particular, the 2025 offseason is marked by a 15-day window, from February 18 to March 4, during which teams must decide whether to apply these tags to pivotal players.
The Mechanics of Franchise Tags
Franchise tags come in two main types: exclusive and non-exclusive. The non-exclusive franchise tag is determined by either 120% of a player's previous salary or an average of the top five salaries for their position, whichever is greater. This allows players to negotiate with other teams, though their current team retains the right to match any offers. Meanwhile, an exclusive tag prevents players from negotiating with other teams and ensures they earn the higher of the aforementioned calculations.
Additionally, there is the transition tag, which is based on the average of the top ten salaries for the player's position, coupled with a 120% increase provision. However, this tag does not offer compensation if an offer from another team is not matched by the player’s current team. These tags have been applied 22 times over the past three seasons, averaging about seven applications annually.
Trends in Franchise Tags and Player Contracts
The landscape for franchise-tagged players has seen its shifts. In recent years, fewer than half of the players tagged have secured longer-term deals between 2021 and 2023. However, a notable year saw seven out of eight franchised players signing multiyear agreements, suggesting a possible return to the original intent of the franchise tag system. "The franchise tag operated more like it was originally intended this year," noted an unnamed source, indicating that both players and teams occasionally derive mutual benefit from the arrangement.
Team Strategies and Financial Implications
With the 2025 NFL salary cap projected between $265 million and $275 million, teams must navigate their financials strategically. For the Minnesota Vikings, the situation surrounding quarterback Sam Darnold is a critical consideration. Darnold, who signed a $10 million one-year "bridge" deal, presents the Vikings with a potentially transformative decision. The team could clear $65 million in cap space should Darnold depart. However, letting him leave without utilizing a franchise tag might mean forgoing a 2026 compensatory draft pick. A source mentioned, "There's a possibility that the Vikings wouldn't get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency." Given Darnold's stature as a top quarterback, using a franchise tag as a trade mechanism remains a viable strategy. "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," the source added.
Challenges Ahead for Key Players
Looking at other NFL talents, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' wide receiver Chris Godwin faces an uphill battle. Should Godwin receive a third franchise tag, the cost implications due to the calculation methods could become unsustainable for the team. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals' decision to place a $21.816 million franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins underscores the substantial financial investments teams are willing to make to retain top-tier talent.
Shifts in Team Rosters
A notable transition in the NFL landscape is the move of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers after his tenure with the Denver Broncos. Such changes illustrate the dynamic nature of the league, where strategic offseason decisions can reshape a team's competitive edge.
The enduring impact of franchise tags in the NFL highlights the ongoing balance between team control and player autonomy. As teams weigh their options to secure the best possible rosters under the constraints of the salary cap, the strategic use of these tags will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the league.