Bold start: The 2026 NFL franchise tag window reaches its finale today, and decisions will reshuffle teams, salaries, and futures. If you’re wondering how this pivotal moment unfolds, you’re not alone—and the story is more dynamic than you might think.
Today marks decision day for several franchises: do they tag their players, or let them test free agency? The franchise tag window is set to close today at 4 p.m. ET, leaving teams only a few hours to finalize their options. If you’re new to the concept, you can review a quick primer on how the franchise tag works here: https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-franchise-tag-window-opens-today.
So far, two teams have exercised the tag. The Atlanta Falcons used the non-exclusive tag on tight end Kyle Pitts for $15.045 million, and the Dallas Cowboys did the same for wide receiver George Pickens at $27.298 million. These were both non-exclusive tags.
Although the tag window opened two weeks ago, most teams wait until the final day to lock in their tenders. Waiting gives clubs more time to pursue long-term deals, evaluate all options, and align their strategy with broader roster plans. In the NFL, like many high-stakes processes, deadlines tend to spark action. Today is precisely one of those deadline moments.
More tags could be handed out today. The New York Jets have indicated they would tag Breece Hall if a long-term agreement isn’t reached. Cincinnati hasn’t ruled out tagging Trey Hendrickson, which could also create a path toward a trade.
The situation in Indianapolis adds extra intrigue. General manager Chris Ballard has said he’d prefer not to tag players, yet he’s facing a potential decision on two key assets: quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. Jones’s name echoes back to a notable 2023 move when the Giants tagged him with a long-term deal, setting up the Giants to tag Saquon Barkley. Could a similar scenario unfold again, with Jones securing a new contract as the franchise window closes and Indy deciding whether to also retain Pierce—or explore other options for both players?
Any player not tagged today becomes eligible for free agency, though teams can still extend contracts to their own players in the meantime.
With the trade market already heating up, the pace quickens toward the official start of the league year on March 11, when free agency formally opens. It’s a flurry of activity—buckle up.
