As Philadelphia revels in the aftermath of their triumphant Super Bowl LIX victory, the focus on player movements has officially begun with the opening of the franchise-tag window. Starting Tuesday, teams have until March 4 to apply the franchise tag, a strategic tool for blocking their own free agents from exploring the open market.
The franchise tag is vital for team management, allowing them more time to negotiate long-term deals with players. If an agreement isn’t reached, players often end up playing under a lucrative one-year contract. The payment is determined either by the franchise-tag formula, which factors in average salaries for the player’s position, or it can be negotiated between the player and the team. Tagging a player can happen at most three times, but players tend to dislike this practice as it offers no long-term security.
This year, teams can opt for either exclusive or non-exclusive franchise tags, with deadlines for long-term deals set for July 15. Last season, eight players were tagged, and most managed to secure long-term contracts, showcasing the tag’s intended purpose.
One of the most talked-about candidates this year is Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. After a fantastic 2024 season with 10 touchdowns in 12 games, Higgins is crucial to the Bengals’ offensive scheme. Reports suggest that the Bengals aim to finalize a long-term deal with him before the tagging deadline. If not, they may resort to a second franchise tag, potentially costing around $26 million.
The Minnesota Vikings are also under the spotlight with quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold had a successful season, leading the Vikings to the playoffs. The team’s decision on whether to tag him could indicate their confidence in him or how they view quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is recovering from injury.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bolster their offensive line after a tough Super Bowl. Keeping Trey Smith, the top-rated guard, is a priority, even though tagging him might be complicated due to salary cap constraints.
Also keeping teams busy are players like Jevon Holland of the Miami Dolphins, who has had a solid early career but might see his market grow as salary issues loom for his team. Former tag recipient Chris Godwin of the Buccaneers is also on the radar, especially given his strong start last season before an injury sidelined him.
As the league gears up for free agency just weeks away, NFL teams are prepared to make tough decisions about their rosters and cap space, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason filled with player movements and potential surprises.
