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.
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[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. The biggest name is Tee Higgins, who played under the franchise tag last season and would get a 120 percent raise if the Bengals use it on him again as expected.
Players who have been tagged
Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith
The Chiefs are using 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.
Expected to be tagged
Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (report)
Not expected to be tagged
Miami Dolphins S Jevon Holland (report)
Franchise tag candidates
Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride
Baltimore Ravens OL Ronnie Stanley
Dallas Cowboys DL Osa Odighizuwa
Detroit Lions DB Carlton Davis III
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold
Philadelphia Eagles LB Zack Baun and DL Josh Sweat
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