The NFL offseason often brings a flurry of activity as teams strategically position themselves for future success. One of the most critical tools at their disposal is the franchise tag, a mechanism aimed at retaining top talent by locking players into short-term contracts. This system is illuminated by recent developments involving players like Sam Darnold, Chris Godwin, and Tee Higgins.
The Role of Franchise Tags
Franchise tags, available in exclusive and non-exclusive forms, allow teams to maintain control over key players. The non-exclusive tag, more commonly used, calculates the player's salary based on either 120% of the previous year's earnings or the average of the top five salaries for their position—whichever is greater. Players tagged this way can negotiate with other teams, but their current team has the right to match any offers.
In contrast, the exclusive franchise tag restricts the player from speaking to other teams and guarantees a salary based on the alternative calculation method, usually resulting in a lucrative deal for the player. Both versions of the tag allow teams to keep their stars, albeit with varying degrees of leverage and compensation.
Tags in Action
The franchise tag has been increasingly pivotal in contract negotiations. Over the past three seasons, it has been applied 22 times, averaging seven applications annually. Yet, the success of these tags in securing long-term agreements varies. A recent example saw seven out of eight tagged players sign multiyear deals. This trend highlights that while the tag offers temporary security, it doesn't always lead to extended contracts.
From 2021 to 2023, less than half of the players with franchise tags managed to secure longer-term agreements, demonstrating the fickle nature of contract negotiations in the NFL. The quote, "The franchise tag operated more like it was originally intended this year," reflects a nostalgia for an era when the tag predominantly ensured player retention rather than becoming a bargaining placeholder.
Financial Calculations and Consequences
Teams must navigate complex salary implications when applying franchise tags, especially as the NFL salary cap for 2025 is projected to rise to between $265 million and $275 million. For instance, Chris Godwin faces a potentially untenable financial situation if tagged again, due to escalating salary calculations aligned with his previous contracts.
Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals' decision to place a $21.816 million franchise tag on Tee Higgins illustrates the significant financial commitment involved. Each tag, especially those involving star players, comes with a hefty price attached, impacting overall team payroll and strategy.
The Sam Darnold Dilemma
Sam Darnold's one-year, $10 million "bridge" deal with the Minnesota Vikings exemplifies the intricacies of these negotiations. The team faces a potential decision to use the franchise tag on Darnold, considering the quarterback's market value as the top available free agent. There's speculation that the Vikings might benefit from franchising him for a potential trade, as indicated by the source who said, "Using a franchise tag to trade him isn't out of the question."
Should Darnold leave, the Vikings could clear $65 million in cap space. However, allowing him to walk without a franchise tag or securing a long-term deal might mean forfeiting a 2026 compensatory draft pick. As noted, "There's a possibility that the Vikings wouldn't get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency."
Dynamic Player Movements
Player movements also add an unpredictable layer to the offseason. Russell Wilson's transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Denver Broncos is a case in point, showing how quickly team dynamics and strategies can pivot through trades and free agency. Such moves underscore the volatile and exciting nature of the NFL, where strategic maneuvering during the offseason can set the stage for success or downfall.
In summary, the NFL employs a complex matrix of contracts, salary caps, and player trades to maintain competitiveness. Franchise tags remain a valuable, albeit sometimes controversial, component of this system. As teams continue to wield this tool, its effects will undoubtedly shape the league's future, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating the outcomes each new season brings. While there is no denying the pressures and financial stakes involved, the tactical use of franchise tags ensures that the NFL offseason is anything but uneventful.