The NFL offseason consistently serves as a pivotal period for teams aiming to reshape their rosters and gear up for future success. Among the myriad of strategies available, the franchise tag stands out as a crucial tool for retaining top talent. In 2025, NFL teams have a restricted 15-day window from February 18 to March 4 to apply these valuable tags, potentially altering their team dynamics significantly.
Franchise tags come in two forms: exclusive and non-exclusive. The non-exclusive tag is intriguing, calculated based on either 120% of the player’s previous salary or the average of the top five salaries at their position—whichever amount is greater. This tag offers players the liberty to negotiate with other teams, giving their current team the opportunity to match any external offers. In contrast, the exclusive tag, which utilizes a similar financial calculation, restricts the player from discussing terms with any other team, thus ensuring their retention under the existing contract terms. Additionally, there is the transition tag, calculated from the average of the top ten salaries at a player’s position, albeit without the compensation perks if offers from other teams aren't matched.
The franchise tag has developed a somewhat unpredictable reputation over recent years. While seven out of eight tagged players in a recent year managed to secure multiyear agreements, between 2021 and 2023, fewer than half of the tagged players negotiated longer-term deals. On average, franchise tags have been applied seven times per year across the past three seasons, making for a total of 22 applications. The tags reflect a balancing act between financial strategy and player loyalty—a reflection echoed in observations that “the franchise tag operated more like it was originally intended this year.”
Challenges and Calculations
The projected NFL salary cap for 2025, estimated between $265 million and $275 million, further complicates decision-making for many teams. The Minnesota Vikings face such a dilemma with Sam Darnold, who is on a $10 million one-year "bridge" deal. Letting Darnold walk away could potentially free up as much as $65 million in cap space. Despite this, the Vikings may not receive a 2026 compensatory draft pick, a possibility one source hinted at, stating, “There’s a possibility that the Vikings wouldn’t get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency.” Moreover, with Darnold seen as a top quarterback on the market, some sources even suggest that “using a franchise tag to trade him isn’t out of the question.”
For players like Chris Godwin, the franchise tag is somewhat of a double-edged sword. Tagging Godwin again might lead to a financially untenable scenario due to the calculation methods. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals strategically tagged Tee Higgins with a $21.816 million franchise tag, showcasing how teams may leverage this mechanism to maintain a cornerstone of their roster without exceeding fiscal boundaries.
Shifts in Team Dynamics
Further shifting the football landscape, Russell Wilson now dons the colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers after leaving the Denver Broncos. Such moves underscore the importance of the offseason in sculpting team rosters and hint at the significant ripple effects that come with high-profile transfers.
The strategic deployment of franchise tags and the player dynamics they influence signal an ongoing evolution within the NFL’s operational framework. As teams balance financial constraints with aspirations for on-field success, the use of these tags not only reflects immediate needs but also reveals long-term strategic thinking.
As the league continues to evolve, these decisions—made in the narrow window provided by the offseason—serve as a profound reminder of the NFL’s ever-changing competitive landscape. With the franchise tag serving as both a safeguard and a gamble, teams are consistently challenged to navigate these turbulent waters with tactical acuity.