Overview

• 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.