The NFL offseason is a period filled with anticipation and strategic maneuvering, with teams stepping up to make decisions that could secure their competitive edge for the upcoming season. A key instrument in this strategic toolset is the franchise tag, a mechanism that allows teams to retain their star players and negotiate future contracts with more certainty and leverage.
The Mechanics of Franchise Tagging
Understanding the franchise tag's complexity is crucial for teams navigating the turbulent waters of player negotiations. In 2025, NFL teams have a 15-day window from February 18 to March 4 to apply these tags to their critical players. There are two main types of franchise tags: exclusive and non-exclusive. The non-exclusive franchise tag is calculated using the greater value between 120% of the player’s previous salary or the average of the top five salaries within the player’s position. This tag allows players to seek offers from other teams, providing their current team the opportunity to match any competing deals.
In contrast, the exclusive franchise tag binds a player solely to their current team by awarding them a salary no less than the top five at their position, but it disallows discussions with other franchises. The transition tag, another variant, employs the average of the top ten salaries and includes a 120% calculation clause, though it stops short of guaranteeing compensation if an offer isn’t matched.
Strategic Decisions and Consequences
These strategic contractual tools have been wielded with varying degrees of success. Over the past three years, franchise tags were applied 22 times, averaging seven tags per year. Interestingly, in a recent year, seven out of the eight tagged players sealed multiyear agreements, showcasing the tag’s proficiency as a negotiation anchor. Historically, however, between 2021 and 2023, fewer than half of tagged players managed to secure longer-term deals.
One player at the forefront of these strategic considerations is Sam Darnold, quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. Recently signing a $10 million one-year "bridge" deal, Darnold’s presence on the roster directly affects the Vikings' salary cap strategy. Not tagging Darnold poses a potential risk; the team might forgo a 2026 compensatory draft pick if he departs freely in the offseason. "There's a possibility that the Vikings wouldn't get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency," one source noted.
Franchise Tag Economics
On the financial front, the salary cap projected for 2025 rests between $265 million and $275 million. This factor escalates the complexity for teams making hefty financial decisions. The Vikings, if opting not to renew Darnold’s contract, could liberate up to $65 million in cap space, an attractive prospect given their potential roster needs.
Other players face challenging scenarios due to the franchise tag’s economic implications. Chris Godwin, for example, would confront an untenable financial situation if tagged again, as the recalculated salary would push beyond affordable constructs due to its existing proportional calculations.
Broader Implications and Tactical Moves
The franchise tag, "operating more like it was originally intended this year," as one observer remarked, indicates a shift toward teams employing the tag as a strategic hold rather than just a temporary measure. This return to form underscores the balancing act NFL organizations perform between securing immediate talent and laying foundation stones for future seasons.
Players like Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals saw their future defined through a $21.816 million franchise tag, solidifying his place as an essential component of their offense. Meanwhile, quarterback Russell Wilson found himself starting anew with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a split from the Denver Broncos, reflecting the dynamic nature of NFL team compositions.
The free agency market remains fluid, with potential surprises lingering around each corner. Notably, "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," suggests an intriguing option for the Vikings’ front office. Such moves highlight the constant chess match that NFL management embodies—a game not just of strategy, but of foresight and adaptability.