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What is the NFL franchise tag?

By Brad Weiss

Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Washington Redskins won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Washington Redskins won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NFL free agency period will begin in March, though teams can begin to place the franchise tag on players starting on Wednesday, February 15.

Each year, all NFL teams have to make the tough decision on whether or not to place the franchise tag on some of their marquee players. Starting on Wednesday, February 15, teams have a two-week window to place either the franchise, or transition tag on pending free agents. On March 1, the franchise tag period ends at 4 p.m. ET, with those players not tagged eligible to become free agents.

The franchise tag can be an exclusive, or non-exclusive tag, depending on which designation the player is given by the team. If a player is given an exclusive franchise tag, only their original team can negotiate with them during the franchise period. If they are given a non-exclusive tag, any team can offer the player a long-term deal, though the original team will have the option of matching the offer.

If the original team does not match the offer, than they will receive two first round draft picks as compensation. Another tag that can be placed on players is a transition tag. With this case, the player is basically given the same deal as a non-exclusive franchise tag, though if the team does not match another teams offer, they get no compensation. Franchise tags are a great way for teams to lock in their best players, giving them until July to strike a long-term deal.

If the team does not come to an agreement with a player on a long-term deal by July, the player is locked in for the following year under the franchise tag. In terms of player compensation, if a player is given a franchise tag they will received the average of the top-five salaries at their respective position or 120 percent of their previous salary, whichever is higher.

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Being given a franchise tag is not always a lock that a player will return to their previous team. While star players like Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins and Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry did in fact play for their orginal team under the franchise tag, two big names were able to sign long-term deals elsewhere. Josh Norman of the Carolina Panthers went to the Redskins and Miami Dolphins star defensive end Olivier Vernon went north to play for the New York Giants.

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