• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

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

The deadline for NFL teams to place the franchise tag on a player is quickly approaching, as clubs weigh the pros and cons of high-priced short-term deals.

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.
Donald Trump
exclusive

Trump’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Visit Cost Secret Service More Than $120K

Trump was the first president to attend the Super Bowl.

CFB TV Ratings Stay Hot As Georgia-Tennessee Sets ABC High of 12.6M

ABC has had four games that have topped 10 million viewers this season.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) at Moda Center.

Trail Blazers Sale and Ownership Group Finalized, Now Awaiting NBA Approval

Dundon’s ownership group also includes the founders of Panda Express.
Valkyries
September 15, 2025

Valkyries Will Try to Remake Ballhalla 50 Miles Away

Golden State will try to stave off elimination in an unfamiliar environment.
September 15, 2025

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
September 12, 2025

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.
Sep 10, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) fights to keep the ball in-bounds during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.
September 12, 2025

Connecticut AG Demands Documents From WNBA About Sun Sale Process

The WNBA reportedly prefers to move the team to Houston.
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center.
September 11, 2025

Hornets Cancel Sports Betting Night Vs. Heat Over Terry Rozier Tie-In

Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for point-shaving in a 2023 game when he was on the Hornets.
May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
September 11, 2025

Clippers Minority Owner Allegedly Invested in Aspiration to Pay Kawhi

Minority investor Dennis Wong allegedly invested in Aspiration as well.