NFL Franchise Tag Window Opens, Key Decisions Loom for Teams

The two-week period for teams to designate franchise tags begins, with several high-profile players like Tee Higgins and Sam Darnold under consideration.

The NFL's franchise tag window officially opened today, February 18, and will close on March 4 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Teams can use one of three tags: non-exclusive, exclusive, or transition, each with different salary calculations and negotiation rules.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to receive a non-exclusive tag if a long-term deal isn't reached, potentially increasing his pay to $26.2 million for 2025.
Minnesota Vikings face a key decision on whether to tag quarterback Sam Darnold after his breakout 2024 season or focus on other free agents like cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
Cap space limitations could impact tagging decisions for teams like the Ravens, Cowboys, and Dolphins, while others like the Jets and Chiefs weigh strategic uses of the tag.