NFL Franchise Tag Frenzy: Big Names Could Hit List As Deadline Nears

Utilization of the NFL’s high-priced franchise tag is heating up ahead of a 4 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline for teams to formally place the tag on a player.

After it looked like just one player this offseason might end up with the franchise tag, which allows teams to retain a player on a one-year contract, several players could now end up being tagged. The total number will still likely be lower than the eight players who were tagged last year and six in 2023.

The franchise tag pays a player 120% of their previous salary, or the average of the top five salaries at their respective position over the past five years—whichever is greater.

Done Deals in Cincy, K.C.

The Bengals formally placed the franchise tag on receiver Tee Higgins on Monday afternoon, meaning Higgins will make $26.18 million in 2025 if he plays on the franchise tag for the second straight season, after he made $21.81 million in 2024.

Cincinnati director of player personnel Duke Tobin said his preference is to work out a long-term deal with Higgins. But the Bengals are balancing working out a record extension for fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase, as well as a potential new deal for defensive end Trey Hendrickson—all while paying quarterback Joe Burrow $275 million over his own five-year extension signed in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have placed the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, who will earn $23.4 million in 2025 unless he agrees to a long-term deal in Kansas City by a July 15 deadline for new contracts. Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021, earned $6.58 million over the first four seasons of his NFL career (all figures via Spotrac).

Travis Kelce is returning for another season with the Chiefs, but the team may look to restructure his contract, which is set to give him $17 million as the NFL’s highest-paid tight end.

Another Tag Likely Coming

The Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term deal is not reached by Tuesday’s deadline, according to ESPN. Odighizuwa, a third-round pick in 2021, would make $25.1 million on the tag. His career earnings thus far are $6.85 million.

Quarterback Carousel

When Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spoke to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, they stopped short of committing to bring back quarterback Sam Darnold—on a long-term deal or via the franchise tag. Darnold, who played on a one-year, $10 million contract last season, would be in line for a $40.42 million deal on the franchise tag next season, but he is hoping for a longer term, whether it’s in Minnesota or elsewhere. 

Matthew Stafford’s restructured contract with the Rams has put the spotlight on Aaron Rodgers, who is looking for a new home after the Jets decided to part ways with the 41-year-old quarterback, despite taking a $49 million dead-cap hit to do so. The Giants are reported to be a potential landing spot for Rodgers.