The NFL offseason, a bustling period of strategic maneuvering, has once again brought into sharp focus the role of franchise tags as NFL teams work to retain their top talent. As teams prepare for the 2025 season, they have a crucial 15-day window, from February 18 to March 4, to decide whether to employ franchise tags on key players, impacting rosters and salary cap strategies significantly.
Understanding the Franchise Tag
Franchise tags, central to the offseason chess game, come in two distinct varieties: exclusive and non-exclusive. The exclusive franchise tag restricts the player from negotiating with other teams by giving the player the higher value between 120% of their previous salary or the average salary of the top five players at their position. On the other hand, the non-exclusive tag allows players to engage with other teams on potential offers, which their current team can choose to match. For teams, this is a way to hedge their bets while trying to retain top talent.
A third tool, the transition tag, is based on the average of the top ten salaries at a player's position, including a 120% provision. However, unlike franchise tags, transition tags offer no compensation should a team fail to match another team's offer.
A Mixed Outlook on Multiyear Deals
In recent years, the use of franchise tags has seen varying success in securing long-term agreements. A recent observation noted that seven out of eight tagged players agreed to multiyear deals, suggesting a return to traditional use. Despite this, the trend between 2021 and 2023 shows fewer than half of tagged players finalizing longer-term contracts. Over the past three seasons, franchise tags have been used 22 times, with an average of seven players tagged annually.
Current Player Dynamics
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads with Sam Darnold. Currently on a $10 million one-year "bridge" deal, Darnold presents a unique dilemma for the Vikings. His potential departure could liberate $65 million in cap space, a factor which the Vikings must weigh heavily. Furthermore, there is concern that the Vikings might not receive a compensatory draft pick in 2026 if Darnold leaves without a franchise tag being applied. Darnold's status as a potential franchise tag candidate underscores his value, with one source noting, "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."
Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals made a decisive move by placing a $21.816 million franchise tag on Tee Higgins. This assertive tactic ensures Higgins remains with the team, providing stability and strengthening their offensive lineup.
Salary Cap Considerations
The projected NFL salary cap for 2025, forecasted to be between $265 million and $275 million, adds another layer of complexity to team strategies. Players like Chris Godwin are already feeling the pressure. If Godwin is tagged again, the financial implications could be daunting given the current calculation methods, potentially pushing teams to rethink their long-term plans.
Shifts in Roster Landscapes
Meanwhile, some teams are experiencing notable roster changes. After departing the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson has found a new home with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Such moves reflect the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of the league, where a single trade or signing can alter the competitive landscape.
The ramifications of franchise tags, salary cap dynamics, and player movements during the offseason are profound and often unpredictable. With every decision, teams are shaping not only their immediate lineup but their future competitiveness in the league. The franchise tag, as a vital mechanism, proves to be both a tool of retention and a catalyst for strategic negotiation, underpinning the complexity and excitement of the NFL offseason.