The tag number applied to potential free agents is 9.
And that's not lucky for the players. In 2024, more than a quarter of leagues used a system that prevented players whose contracts expired from becoming unrestricted free agents.
The tag expiration date is approaching. The NFL announced steps taken to prevent free agents from signing multi-year contracts on the open market.
Eight teams used the franchise tag. Officially:
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Brian Burns, linebacker for the Carolina Panthers.
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins.
Indianapolis Colts, receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Josh Allen, linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Rajarius Sneed
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antwon Winfield Jr.
The Patriots also placed the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger.
All tags are non-exclusive, meaning other teams could theoretically negotiate with the player and sign him to an offer sheet. If he signs an offer sheet and is not matched, his current team will receive two first-round picks for him as compensation.
For Dugger, the Patriots have secured only the rights to the games and no compensation if he changes teams.
Yes, this device offers a healthy compensation package for 1 year to the tagged players. It also prevents them from entering into more healthy multi-year deals on the open market.
At some point, the league gave the vague impression that receiving the franchise tag amounted to some kind of honor. Definitely not. Tags limit player movement and prevent the league's best players from pushing the market as far as possible at various positions. As a result, other veterans will not be able to earn more compensation based on the higher market value of each position.
That's why the league will never give it up. Even if the NFL Players Association offers to play 20 regular-season games, the NFL will refuse to give up the silver bullet that prevents free agency deals from potentially falling apart.
