As the NFL gears up for free agency, teams are making moves to secure their top talent through the use of franchise tags. This age-old tradition allows teams to hold onto premier players for a bit longer, giving them more time to negotiate a long-term deal while still maintaining control over the player.
There are three types of franchise tags that teams can use to keep their players from hitting the open market. The exclusive tag is the most common, preventing players from negotiating with other teams. It comes at a high cost, as it is the higher of the average top-five salaries at the player’s position or 120% of the player’s last salary. The non-exclusive tag allows players to negotiate with other teams, but if a team signs them to an unmatched offer sheet, they must give up two first-round picks. The transition tag is rarer and pays the player the greater of the average of the top 10 prior-year salaries at the player’s position, but still allows the player to negotiate with other teams without draft compensation.
With the use of franchise tags, there are certain players who will not hit the open market during free agency. These players are considered too valuable to let go and teams are willing to pay a premium to keep them on their roster. This strategy allows teams to retain key players and maintain a competitive edge in the league.
One player who is expected to be franchise tagged is Antoine Winfield Jr., a standout safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winfield Jr. had a stellar season and played a key role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl run. By using the franchise tag on Winfield Jr., the Buccaneers can ensure that he remains a crucial part of their defense for the upcoming season.
Overall, franchise tags are a valuable tool for NFL teams to keep their top talent in-house and maintain a competitive roster. As free agency approaches, it will be interesting to see which players receive the franchise tag and which players ultimately hit the open market.
