The National Football League's franchise tag window opens this Tuesday, marking a critical period in the offseason calendar for all 32 teams. This two-week window, which closes at 4 p.m. ET on March 4, allows each team to apply the franchise tag to one player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The franchise tag, a strategic tool in the NFL, allows teams to retain valuable players while negotiating long-term contracts. However, the financial implications of the tag are significant, as it is based on the top five annual salaries at each position, leading to varied strategies across the league.
The franchise tag amount for a cornerback is anticipated to exceed $20 million this year, presenting budgetary challenges for teams like the New York Jets. With a new regime in place, the Jets are focused on restructuring and are unlikely to retain older players from previous administrations. This high price tag may deter them from using the franchise tag on their cornerbacks as they prioritize other roster changes.
Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a financial crunch with several key players approaching free agency. Using the franchise tag would prove cost-prohibitive for the Steelers, as they aim to manage their salary cap effectively while retaining talent. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears executed a shrewd move in 2024 by tagging cornerback Jaylon Johnson, only to finalize a long-term deal two days later. This maneuver allowed them to secure Johnson's future without the financial burden of a prolonged franchise tag.
In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles have historically avoided incorporating the franchise tag into their team-building model. With six players projected to count $12 million or more against the salary cap in 2025, it is unlikely that they will adopt this practice now. Instead, they focus on developing a balanced financial strategy that aligns with their long-term goals.
The Atlanta Falcons enter the franchise tag window with high-profile free agents such as edge rusher Matthew Judon, safety Justin Simmons, and center Drew Dalman. The decision on whether to use the franchise tag hinges on their evaluation of these players' value and market demand. Notably, the price for tagging a center, which aligns with guards and tackles, exceeds $20 million—an unprecedented figure for this position.
The New York Giants must make a crucial decision regarding their top free agent this offseason, wide receiver Darius Slayton. While Slayton's contributions have been valuable, the Giants must weigh the cost of a franchise tag against potential long-term contract negotiations. This dilemma mirrors similar challenges faced by other teams aiming to balance immediate needs with future planning.
In recent history, some teams have employed unique strategies involving the franchise tag. For instance, the Carolina Panthers tagged pass rusher Brian Burns only to trade him to the New York Giants shortly after. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs tagged cornerback L'Jarius Sneed before sending him to the Tennessee Titans before March was out. These moves reflect creative approaches to maximizing player value while navigating complex roster decisions.
Meanwhile, teams like the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills have opted for alternative approaches. The Broncos are unlikely to use the franchise tag this offseason as they focus on other contractual matters and player evaluations. The Bills have consistently prioritized signing players to extensions before they hit free agency, thus avoiding the necessity of employing the franchise tag.
The Miami Dolphins face a pivotal decision regarding their own roster management strategy. They must determine whether to negotiate a long-term agreement with key players or allow them to explore free agency. This choice reflects broader considerations about team composition and future competitiveness.
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