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NFL Franchise Tag: Explained

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 14:37 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, UNITED STATES

Understanding the Franchise Tag Mechanism

For those unfamiliar, the franchise tag is a designation applied to a pending unrestricted free agent, ensuring they remain with their current team for at least one additional season. Teams can choose between two types of tags: the exclusive and the non-exclusive. The exclusive tag prevents the player from negotiating with other teams at all, effectively keeping them off the open market. However, this comes at a higher cost - 120% of the player's previous year's salary or the average of the top five players at their position, whichever is greater. The non-exclusive tag allows the player to negotiate with other teams, but the original team retains the right to match any offer. If they choose not to, the team receives two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Top 2026 Franchise Tag Candidates

The landscape of potential candidates is varied, but a few players stand out as likely contenders. The estimated costs for the 2026 franchise tag are substantial, particularly for quarterbacks and receivers, influencing each team's decision-making process.

George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers: Pickens has firmly established himself as a dynamic playmaker for the Steelers. His consistent improvement as a route runner and his ability to make contested catches have made him a crucial component of the Pittsburgh offense. With other top receiver talent commanding significant salaries, the Steelers will undoubtedly consider using the franchise tag on Pickens to ensure offensive continuity, especially if a long-term extension proves elusive. At an estimated $23.7 million for the receiver tag, the cost is significant but potentially justifiable given Pickens' impact.

Daniel Jones, Quarterback, New York Giants: Jones' 2023 playoff appearance rejuvenated his career and likely cemented his status as a player the Giants will attempt to retain. After years of searching for a franchise quarterback, the Giants will be cautious about letting Jones test free agency. While his consistency has been questioned at times, his potential and the cost of finding a replacement make him a strong candidate for the $59.4 million quarterback tag. The Giants will need to assess if his performance trajectory warrants such a large investment, but the scarcity of proven quarterbacks in the league weighs heavily in his favor.

Beyond the Headlines: Other Potential Tag Recipients

The conversation doesn't end with Pickens and Jones. Several other players could find themselves designated with the franchise tag:

• Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs: Kancey's disruptive presence along the defensive line is a valuable asset for the Chiefs' championship aspirations. While interior defensive lineman aren't usually top franchise tag priorities, Kancey's early potential could change that.
• Rasheem Green, Defensive End, New York Jets: Green's breakout 2023 season significantly raised his profile. The Jets, already heavily invested in their defense, may view retaining Green as essential to maintaining their pass-rushing prowess.
• Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Chicago Bears: Johnson has quietly become one of the league's most effective cornerbacks. In a passing-dominated league, a shutdown corner is worth a premium, and the Bears might be reluctant to let him leave, especially with a rebuilding defense.
• Elam, Cornerback, Buffalo Bills: Elam has developed into a cornerstone of the Bills' secondary, providing consistent coverage and reliable tackling. Buffalo's continued pursuit of a Super Bowl will likely factor into their decision regarding his contract.

Financial Implications and Strategic Considerations

The franchise tag is not merely a financial transaction; it's a strategic maneuver. Teams must carefully consider the long-term implications of tagging a player. It buys them time to negotiate a multi-year deal, but it also limits their cap flexibility. A player tagged for multiple seasons can become increasingly disgruntled, potentially impacting team chemistry. Furthermore, the increasing cost of the tag makes it a less viable option for retaining multiple key players. Teams will need to prioritize and make difficult decisions about which players are most vital to their future success. The upcoming weeks promise to be filled with negotiations, speculation, and ultimately, impactful decisions that will shape the landscape of the 2026 NFL season.