SUMMARY
- The franchise tag is a mechanism in the NFL that allows teams to retain their unrestricted free agents.
- The deadline to apply for the franchise tag in the NFL for the 2024 season is March 5, 2024.
The most buzzing term amongst NFL fans during the offseason is franchise tag. With NFL 2024 knocking around the door the teams are on the verge of making decisions regarding the players who deserve the franchise tag. For many players, a franchise tag is precious as it implies their presence in the upper echelon of the franchise. Let’s get into the details of what the NFL Franchise tag is.
The franchise tag is a method by which different teams can retain their unrestricted free agents. Teams are not allowed to acquire more than one free agent under the franchise tag. Although it is the prerogative of the player, whether to stick to the franchise tag or opt for a transition tag. Franchise tags are further classified into two categories.
The two classifications are exclusive tags, and the other is on-exclusive tags. In the case of an exclusive tag, a player loses the leeway to negotiate with any other team and the player gets the average of the salary of the top five players of the last season. In a non-exclusive tag, a player can go for further negotiation with other teams. This is preferred by players and teams.
The salary proffered in non-exclusive is also lesser than the former category. A player can be tagged for consecutive seasons as well and with each passing season, his salary increases exponentially. In 2024 the deadline to apply for the franchise tag is March 5, 2024. The window for which initiates on February 20 and runs through for another 15 days.
NFL Free Agency 2024: When does the window open?
On March 13, 2024, the new NFL season starts officially and the free agency window also commences. Teams can begin the impending negotiations with the free agents on March 11. This year the salary cap is also going to hit the north of $240 Million. All unrestricted free agents will be going to their respective teams during this time interval.
One free agent each NFL team should want to sign in 2024 https://t.co/UsJ5ZygUzs pic.twitter.com/Z4mTP5NcUK
— TheGiantsWire (@TheGiantsWire) February 17, 2024
A club can also withdraw its participation from the agency. The player from the team becomes an unrestricted free agent if his team withdraws from the transition designation. For a restricted free agent, his old club has to match up his new offer to retain him in the team. This is how the transition works for both the categories of the player.
Prediction of notable candidates for a franchise tag this offseason
While taking foot towards this offseason, the most eminent names that had got a franchise tag are Lamar Jackson from the Ravens, Daniel Jones of the Giants, and Geno Smith from the Seahawks. Geno Smith had already received a three-year deal. The other prospects that may be included in the list like Pollards, Jackson, and Engram were all formerly franchise tagged.
Jackson is non-exclusively tagged which still makes him open to negotiating with other teams. The Chiefs did not tag Brown, unlike the case in 2022. This year Baltimore Ravens can retain their LB Patrick Queen and DT Justin Madubuike. Carolina Panthers also might retain Brian Burns Edge. Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins will also be pursued by his former team.
Amongst other NFL teams, the Kansas City Chiefs is also going to possibly retain L’Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones. This is also an intriguing event for the fans as the team formation determines the course of the next NFL season.