Franchise Tag 2016: Values per position

What are the franchise tag values for the 2016 NFL offseason?

If you follow football closely, you have probably heard of a term called the “franchise tag.” During this time of year, sports writers try and predicted which players will receive the franchise tag.

Players also often talk about the franchise tag. Most players do not like the franchise tag. The tag removes a players ability to hit an open market, which potentially delays a major payday or change of scenery.

One example of a player that could be franchised tagged is Von Miller. The OLB formerly from Texas A&M and currently plays for the Denver Broncos is set to become a free agent this year. Due to Miller’s amazing production in his short career he is due a monster pay raise.

But what if the Broncos do not believe that Miller will be resign-able? That is where the franchise tag comes into play.

What is a franchise tag and how does it work?

A franchise tag is a type of contract negotiation designation given by a NFL team to one of its players with an expiring contract. When a team is unable to resign a player, that team can “tag” or franchise tag one of its players.

Outside of the generic term “franchise tag” exists two very specific types of tags. The exclusive tag and the non-exclusive tag.

The exclusive tag allows an NFL team to have exclusive negotiating rights with one of their expired players during Free Agency and beyond. But, if the player and the original team are unable to come to a consensus one a long term deal by July 15th, this guarantees a tagged player a one year salary that varies by position and season.

In other words, even though the player is unsigned by his former team because he was tagged he is unable to negotiate with other teams.

However, there is a scenario where a tagged player can negotiate with other teams. If a player is tagged with a non-exclusive tag then a player may negotiate with other teams during Free Agency. That player is not exclusively negotiating.  If a player and an outside team agree to a contract, then the tagging team will have an option to match the players contract. If the team matches, then it retains the player with the new contract.

Note, if the player and an outside team agree to a deal and the player’s original team declines to match the proposed contract, then original team loses the player and the non-tagging team surrenders two first round picks to the tagging team.

Generally speaking, NFL teams designate a player with a franchise tag when a critical player is wanting to leave the team. However, franchise tags can also be used to allow a team to table contract negotiations until the offseason is over.

How is the franchise tag value calculated?

The franchise tag’s value is calculated on a per position basis by taking the five largest salaries from last season, and averaging all together.

What is the projected value per position of this year’s franchise tag?

Quarterbacks: $19,748,000

Running Back: $11,871,000

Wide Receiver: $14,527,000

Tight End: $9,053,000

Offensive Line: $13,678,000

Defensive End: $15,494,000

Defensive Tackle: $13,368,000

Linebacker: $14,131,000

Cornerback: $13,838,000

Safety:$10,717,000

Punter/Kicker: $4,534,000

Note: The figures above are based off of a $154 million salary cap.