Navigating the Intricacies of NFL Free Agency and Franchise Tags
The NFL offseason may seem like a quiet lull before the storm of the upcoming season, but it's actually a time when teams make strategic moves that can shape their future. The use of franchise tags is one of the league's tactical tools to retain top talent. As 2025 approaches, NFL teams will again have the opportunity to secure their players, starting with a 15-day window from February 18 to March 4.
The Mechanics of Franchise and Transition Tags
Franchise tags come in two varieties: the exclusive and non-exclusive. Both options aim to secure a player’s services for an additional year, usually at a premium salary. The non-exclusive franchise tag is calculated based on either 120% of the player's previous pay or the average of the top five salaries for their position, whichever is greater. This tag allows players to negotiate offers with other teams, though their current team can match any offers.
Meanwhile, the exclusive franchise tag gives a player the higher of the two calculations, but it restricts the player from speaking with other teams. An interesting twist is the transition tag, which is determined using the average of the top ten salaries at the player's position and includes a similar 120% provision. However, this tag offers even more flexibility, as teams don't get compensation if they choose not to match an offer proposed by another team.
The Impact of Franchise Tags on Long-Term Deals
Traditionally, the franchise tag has been known as a mechanism that can limit a player’s ability to negotiate a long-term contract. Yet this year, seven out of eight players who received franchise tags went on to sign multiyear agreements. On the contrary, between 2021 and 2023, fewer than half of players were able to secure longer-term deals while tagged.
"The franchise tag operated more like it was originally intended this year," said an unnamed source, highlighting a shift in how teams are managing their roster decisions. Franchise tags have been applied 22 times over the past three seasons, holding steady at an average of seven applications annually.
Strategic Moves by NFL Teams
Teams are continuously looking at how best to manage their salary cap space, which for 2025 is projected to be between $265 million and $275 million. In this context, the Minnesota Vikings face decisions with Sam Darnold, who is on a $10 million one-year "bridge" deal. The Vikings could free up $65 million in cap space if Darnold leaves, but there's speculation about whether using a non-exclusive franchise tag to trade him might be an option.
"There's a possibility that the Vikings wouldn't get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency," a source noted. "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." However, such moves require weighing up immediate needs versus long-term vision.
Noteworthy Player Situations
The franchise tag's effect on player movement extends beyond strategic contracts. For instance, Chris Godwin, if tagged again, would face an unaffordable scenario due to the calculation being the greater of 144% of his previous year's salary or the largest salary at any position. Elsewhere, Cincinnati Bengals put a hefty $21.816 million franchise tag on star wide receiver Tee Higgins.
In another narrative, Russell Wilson has been proving his mettle with the Pittsburgh Steelers after parting ways with the Denver Broncos. Agents like David Mulugheta continue to steer their clients through this complex environment, exhibiting a keen understanding of the market dynamics.
As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, the use of franchise tags will perhaps further evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of NFL team-building strategies.