Sports The present league year would not officially commence up till March 12, but sooner than that, NFL teams can lock in an impending free agent with the franchise designate.
The franchise designate window is originate from now till March 4 at 4 p.m. ET. Teams can space their designated designate on one player per year. There are three varied versions available, and their tag is depending on a player’s space and whether or not he has been previously tagged. Here is the short rundown, but when you happen to would admire extra important strategies, make obvious to are attempting our explainer:
Animated designate, meaning a player cannot negotiate with other teams. Its tag is essentially essentially based on the most up-to-date reasonable salary of the five easiest-paid gamers at a neighborhood. Non-uncommon designate, meaning a player can silent negotiate with other teams. Its tag is essentially essentially based on the frequent salary of the five easiest-paid gamers at a neighborhood over the last five years. Here is the designate most assuredly feeble. Transition designate, meaning a player can negotiate with other teams and his most up-to-date crew can match any provide he receives. Its tag is essentially essentially based on the frequent of the ten easiest-paid gamers at a neighborhood. A franchise-tagged player and his crew personal till July 15 (uncommon and non-uncommon) or July 21 (transition) to work out a long-time period extension. If the carve help-off date passes sooner than a deal is reached, then he has till Nov. 11 to signal his one-year mushy.
[Related: Ranking the top 100 free agents in 2025 ]
Below, we’ll be tracking which gamers had been tagged to this level and who may per chance seemingly well be next.
Avid gamers who had been tagged Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith
The Chiefs feeble their designate on Smith moderately than possibility losing their trusty 25-year-extinct guard. Smith, ranked No. 2 on FOX Sports actions’ prime 100 free agents checklist, has started all but one sport for Kansas City in his four-year profession. He recorded a low sack percentage (0.2) this past season while keeping Patrick Mahomes. If Smith and the Chiefs don’t agree to a long-time period deal, he’ll obtain $23.4 million on the one-year designate.
Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins
Higgins is help on the franchise designate all another time. The Bengals personal placed the standout broad receiver on the franchise designate for the 2d straight season, he shared on Monday. Higgins, who changed into as soon as ranked as the No. 1 player on FOX Sports actions’ prime 100 free agents checklist, seemingly would’ve garnered a range of consideration in the free agent market had he not been tagged. He recorded 73 receptions for 911 yards and a profession-excessive 10 touchdowns in 2024, doing so in factual 12 video games. Higgins can negotiate a contract with other teams, but any crew that indicators him would personal to forfeit two first-spherical picks if the Bengals refuse to match the provide sheet. Teams can also moreover negotiate a alternate with the Bengals to potentially create Higgins.
Higgins’ cap quantity with the franchise designate is determined at $26.16 million.
Anticipated to be tagged Dallas Cowboys DL Osa Odighizuwa (file)
No longer expected to be tagged Miami Dolphins S Jevon Holland (file)
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold
The Vikings are not expected to tell their franchise designate on Darnold, even though they’re silent fervent about bringing him help in 2025, in accordance with ESPN.
Franchise designate candidates Baltimore Ravens OL Ronnie Stanley
Detroit Lions DB Carlton Davis III
Philadelphia Eagles LB Zack Baun and DL Josh Sweat
Need huge tales delivered valid to your inbox? Brand or log in to your FOX Sports actions myth , and notice leagues, teams and gamers to receive a personalized e-newsletter on a regular basis!
Accept extra from Nationwide Football League Discover your favorites to acquire knowledge about video games, files and extra
