Inside the NFL’s Strategic Offseason Moves
As the NFL offseason unfolds, teams are diving into strategies that can define their future success. Among their crucial tools is the franchise tag, a mechanism that helps teams retain their marquee players. In 2025, teams have a pivotal 15-day window, spanning February 18 to March 4, to apply these tags and lock in talent.
Differentiating the Franchise Tags
Franchise tags come in two distinct forms: exclusive and non-exclusive. The non-exclusive tag, often a team's go-to choice, is determined by the greater of 120% of a player's previous salary or the average of the top five salaries at the player's position. This option grants players the ability to entertain offers from other franchises, with their current team retaining the right to match any propositions.
On the other hand, the exclusive franchise tag offers the same financial calculation but restricts the player's freedom by barring any dialogue with other teams. The lesser-known transition tag is based on the average of the top ten salaries for a position, with no compensatory pick offered if a player moves elsewhere.
Statistics and Real-Life Examples
Interestingly, in recent years, NFL teams have utilized franchise tags sparingly yet strategically. In fact, "the franchise tag operated more like it was originally intended this year," according to one insider. Over the past three seasons, this tag has appeared 22 times, averaging roughly seven applications annually. Between 2021 and 2023, fewer than half of the tagged players managed to lock down longer-term deals, though seven out of eight players recently tagged went on to secure multi-year agreements.
This season, for instance, the Cincinnati Bengals secured Tee Higgins with a hefty $21.816 million franchise tag, while Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings plays on a $10 million one-year "bridge" deal. Should Darnold part ways with the Vikings, it could open up $65 million in cap space for the team. However, if he leaves without a franchise tag, the Vikings risk losing a compensatory pick in the 2026 draft, igniting speculation about potential moves. "There's a possibility that the Vikings wouldn't get a 2026 compensatory draft pick by letting Darnold walk in free agency," noted one expert, hinting at the complex decisions teams must navigate.
Tricky Calculations and Team Decisions
The intricacies of financial calculations present unique challenges for some teams. For players like Chris Godwin, getting tagged again could result in "an unaffordable scenario" under current rules. As a result, teams must carefully weigh their options, balancing immediate player retention against long-term fiscal strategies. Through these fascinating examples, the offseason becomes a dramatic arena where strategic thinking reigns supreme. As a certain source speculated, "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," highlighting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of NFL decision-making.
The rumor mill also churns around Russell Wilson, who now takes the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers after parting ways with the Denver Broncos. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch how these strategic shifts unfold in the coming months, setting the stage for another thrilling NFL season.