The clock is ticking for NFL teams as the 2026 franchise tag window slams shut today at 4 p.m. ET. This is the moment that separates the players who stay from those who walk away free agents. It's a high-stakes decision that can shape a team's future, and today, several franchises are facing this critical choice: to tag or not to tag?
For those unfamiliar, the franchise tag is a tool teams use to retain a star player by offering them a one-year contract at a predetermined rate, typically the average of the top five salaries at their position. If you're curious about the intricacies, we’ve got a comprehensive guide right here (https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-franchise-tag-window-opens-today).
So far, only two teams have pulled the trigger. The Atlanta Falcons tagged tight end Kyle Pitts (https://www.nfl.com/players/kyle-pitts/) for $15.045 million, while the Dallas Cowboys secured receiver George Pickens (https://www.nfl.com/players/george-pickens/) for $27.298 million. Both opted for the non-exclusive tag, allowing the players to negotiate with other teams but giving their current clubs the right to match any offer.
But here's where it gets controversial: Why do teams wait until the last minute to use the tag? The answer lies in strategy. By delaying, teams buy themselves more time to negotiate long-term deals, which can be more cost-effective and provide stability. It’s a classic case of deadlines driving decisions, and today is no exception.
Several other players could still be tagged before the window closes. The Jets have hinted they might tag running back Breece Hall (https://www.nfl.com/players/breece-hall/) if a long-term deal falls through, while the Bengals haven’t ruled out tagging Trey Hendrickson (https://www.nfl.com/players/trey-hendrickson/), possibly as a trade chip. And this is the part most people miss: The Indianapolis Colts are in a particularly intriguing position. General manager Chris Ballard has expressed reluctance to use the tag, but he has two prime candidates: quarterback Daniel Jones (https://www.nfl.com/players/daniel-jones/) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (https://www.nfl.com/players/alec-pierce/).
Jones, in particular, has a history with the tag. In 2023, he signed a long-term deal with the New York Giants on the final day of the tag window, allowing them to tag Saquon Barkley. Could history repeat itself? Will Jones ink another deal just as the window closes, freeing up the Colts to tag Pierce? Or could both players hit the open market, potentially changing the league’s landscape?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the franchise tag a fair tool for teams, or does it unfairly restrict player movement? Let us know in the comments!
For players not tagged today, the race to free agency begins. Meanwhile, teams can still negotiate extensions with their own players, adding another layer of complexity to the offseason chess game. With the trade market already buzzing, the sprint to the new league year on March 11 is officially on. Giddy up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
