Total Pro Sports
NFL free agency is almost here, and that means it’s time for teams to make some tough decisions. One of the biggest tools they have? The franchise tag. It’s a way to keep star players without locking them into long-term deals- but it comes with a hefty price tag. So, how much does it actually cost? Well, it depends on the player’s position and the type of tag used. Let’s break it all down.
There are three kinds of franchise tags, each with its own rules for calculating value:
This is the most common type of franchise tag. It allows players to negotiate with other teams, but their original team has the right to match any offer. If the team chooses not to match, it receives two first-round picks as compensation. The tag’s value is determined by the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position over the last five years or 120% of the player’s previous salary- whichever is greater.
This tag works similarly to the non-exclusive tag, allowing players to negotiate with other teams. However, if the original team declines to match an offer, it does not receive any compensation. The value of the transition tag is calculated as the average of the top 10 salaries at the player’s position in the current year.
Key NFL Off-Season Dates;
FEB 24th-MAR 3rd: NFL Combine
MAR 4th: Transition/Franchise Tag Deadline
MAR 10th-12th: Negotiation Period
MAR 12th: New League Year & Free Agency Starts— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) February 13, 2025
Unlike the other two tags, the exclusive tag prevents players from negotiating with other NFL teams. Its value is determined by the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position in the current year or 120% of the previous salary- whichever is greater. The final value is set after restricted free agency ends.
Also Read: What Is The NFL Transition Tag And How Does It Work? Everything You Need To Know
The franchise tag value varies significantly by position. Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
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