Since February 20, each team has the right to “tag” one of its free agent players. The Bengals were the first to draw this tool on Tee Higgins. But what is hidden behind this term of franchise tag very often used during periods of free agency ?
The three different types of franchise tag
Each team can only tag one player. And when she does, she has the choice between three types of tag:
Exclusive franchise tag
If a team places its exclusive tag on a player, the player no longer has the right to negotiate with another team and is offered a one-year contract. The value of this contract is equal to the greater of: 120% of his previous salary or the average salary of the 5 highest paid players at his position.
When a player signs an exclusive franchise tag, his entire salary for the coming year is guaranteed. When we talk about a player “tagged” on the site without specifying, we are therefore talking about an exclusive tag.
Non-exclusive franchise tag
Here the player has the right to negotiate with another team. If he signs a contract offer elsewhere, the team that tagged him has the right to line up to retain him. If the team that tagged him lets him go, the team that signed him must also pay 2 picks from the first round of the Draft in compensation. If he signs his non-exclusive tag, the player receives a guaranteed one-year contract at the same price as for an exclusive tag.
Transition tag
The salary is that of the average of the 10 highest salaries at the player's position. The amount is therefore less important for the team. And the player can always negotiate with other teams. If he signs a deal, his original team can match. On the other hand, if she lets it slip away, she receives no compensation.
Negotiations
A tagged player is not required to sign his tag immediately. Often, players choose to wait. This deadline allows them to extend the time of negotiations for a long-term contract. As long as they have not signed, they are not under contract and can miss training without being fined.
Tagged players and their teams have until July 15 to reach an agreement on an extension.
Can you be tagged multiple times?
Yes. But it's expensive. A player tagged a second time must receive 120% of the salary he received last season with the tag, still fully guaranteed. And if a team wants to tag a player a third time, he must receive the amount of the quarterbacks tag or 144% of his salary from the previous year (whichever is greater), regardless of his position!
Some players have clauses in their contracts allowing them to avoid a possible tag.
Who is using it ?
All teams can use it once per season. It is essentially reserved for players that the team absolutely wants to keep. Or exchange. Indeed, the tag can also serve as leverage to exchange the selected player and obtain better compensation than in the event of a free start. In 2022, the Packers had, for example, tagged Davante Adams before negotiating his departure to Las Vegas in exchange for choices in the 1st and 2nd rounds of the draft.
Until when ?
Teams have until March 5 to use their tag or not.
The amount of the franchise tag
The amounts that will be paid to tagged players in 2024 have been revealed by NFL media.
With the NFL announcing a record $255.4 million salary cap, franchise and transition tag numbers are also locked in. From a memo to clubs today: pic.twitter.com/SkUHnY8sPh
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 23, 2024
