Every NFL offseason, the franchise tag becomes a focal point as teams look to retain top talent without committing to a long-term contract. The tag is a one-year, fully guaranteed deal that allows each team to keep one impending free agent off the open market, buying extra time to negotiate an extension or simply ensuring another season of production from a key player.
There are two main types: the exclusive tag, which prevents the player from negotiating with other teams, and the non-exclusive tag, which allows the player to seek offers elsewhere but requires any signing team to surrender two first-round picks as compensation.
The franchise tag can be frustrating for players, as it limits their leverage in securing long-term security. However, it is a strategic tool for teams, especially when negotiations stall with a cornerstone player.
We look at each team’s situation and highlight players who could be tagged during the 2026 offseason.
Arizona Cardinals: OT Jonah Williams
Good offensive tackles are at a premium in the NFL, and Jonah Williams is one of the better ones available after the 2025 season. Despite playing only six games last season due to a knee injury and two stints on injured reserve, Williams showcased elite pass protection, allowing zero sacks and seven pressures with a 3.4% pressure rate.
Williams’ ability to play both left and right tackle enhances his value, making him a cornerstone for protecting quarterback Kyler Murray as Arizona looks to build a playoff-contending roster.
Over the Cap projects the franchise tag for offensive linemen to be approximately $27.6 million next offseason. That would be a significant increase from the $15 million per year the Cardinals are paying Williams under his current contract. If he proves he can stay on the field, Arizona may consider the tag to maintain offensive line stability alongside Paris Johnson Jr.
Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss
Kaden Elliss, who ranked 51st in our list of the top 100 free agents for 2026, is coming off a strong 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. He started all 17 games and recorded a career-high 151 combined tackles, including 85 solo stops.
Elliss also tallied five sacks, 43 pressures, and 17 quarterback hits, with an outstanding 29.3% pressure rate on just 147 pass-rush snaps. His consistent production highlights his emergence as one of the NFL’s most effective blitzing linebackers.
With linebacker franchise tag values projected around $28 million for 2026, the Falcons could use the tag to retain Elliss in the short term while they work out an extension. They just have to decide if he’s worth such a lofty amount. Either way, he could be in for a payday.
Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Odafe Oweh
Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, recording 39 tackles, 10 sacks, and 48 pressures with an 11.7% pressure rate, per TruMedia. His fifth-year option carries a $13.251 million cap hit for 2025, per Spotrac, a bargain for a double-digit sack producer.
Oweh’s physical transformation, adding 20 pounds of muscle, enhanced his ability to overpower blockers. His growth as a disruptive presence could make him a prime candidate for the franchise tag in Baltimore.
Oweh will be in the same free-agent class as elite rushers like Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, and Trey Hendrickson, which could inflate costs. The Ravens have a history of tagging players, so if Oweh can deliver another double-digit sack campaign, he makes the most sense.
Buffalo Bills: RB James Cook
James Cook’s breakout 2024 season positions him as a strong franchise tag candidate for the Buffalo Bills in 2026. The former second-round pick delivered 1,009 rushing yards on 207 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt and leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
Every James Cook Touchdown Last Season. pic.twitter.com/t0sdHhKvAS
— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) March 20, 2025
Cook also contributed 258 receiving yards and two scores on 32 catches, demonstrating versatility and reliability as a dual-threat back. His red-zone usage spiked: after seeing just 12.5% of his touches inside the 20-yard line over his first two seasons, he handled 20.9% of his 2024 touches in the red zone, capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
The market for running backs remains fluid. The franchise tag is projected to be in the $13-14 million range, which could be solid value for a team seeking to retain a top-10 rusher without committing to a long-term deal.
Carolina Panthers: OT Taylor Moton
The Carolina Panthers probably don’t have an upcoming free agent who could be worth the franchise tag in 2026, but Taylor Moton will be their best player available.
Moton’s steady play at right tackle has made him a stalwart on Carolina’s offensive line.
Despite the team’s struggles, Moton allowed just two sacks and 14 total pressures on 846 offensive snaps, posting a 2.8% pressure rate that ranked third-best among all NFL tackles.
Spotrac projects Moton’s market value to be $16.9 million per year, which is pretty far off the $27.6 million projected franchise tag value for offensive linemen in 2026. Even if the Panthers don’t use the franchise tag, re-signing Moton could be a priority to provide some stability for Bryce Young.
Chicago Bears: S Jaquan Brisker
It feels like Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker has plenty of untapped potential as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.
Unfortunately, Brisker’s 2024 campaign was cut short after five games due to a concussion, but he was well on his way to a career year. When he went down, he had 40 tackles, three for loss, an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble on the season.
The former Penn State standout made plays across the board, and he shined in pass coverage. According to Next Gen Stats, he allowed a 41.7 passer rating and target EPA of -8.2 on 161 coverage snaps.
The projected franchise tag for safeties is expected to be in the $19-21 million range. If Brisker returns to form and stays healthy, the Bears could use the franchise tag based on his proven production and leadership in the secondary.
Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals is up in the air. The All-Pro edge rusher wants a long-term contract, but the sides have been unable to get anywhere close to a new deal this offseason. That makes things tricky, as he becomes a free agent next offseason.
Hendrickson has turned in elite production since joining the Bengals, recording 155 tackles, 57.0 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles over four seasons in Cincinnati. He’s coming off a 2024 campaign where he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. It marked his fourth straight season with at least a 17% pressure rate.
With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins signed long-term, Hendrickson stands out as the next core piece whose future must be addressed. Given his age, a multi-year extension may not be feasible, but the projected $26.5 million franchise tag for defensive ends could be practical if the Bengals don’t want to trade him.
Cleveland Browns: TE David Njoku
The Cleveland Browns’ offense was abysmal last season, and David Njoku’s numbers took a hit. Over 11 games, he recorded 64 receptions (10th among tight ends) for 505 yards (17th) and five touchdowns (ninth).
While his counting stats remained solid given his missed time, his efficiency dipped, with a career-low 1.4 yards per route run and an average of 5.3 air yards per target, both below his previous career marks. Even so, Njoku’s physical tools and ability to create mismatches continue to make him a valuable asset in Cleveland’s passing attack.
With the projected franchise tag for tight ends expected to be in the $14–16 million range for 2026, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for the Browns to tag Njoku, considering his last contract was worth $13.6 million annually.
Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons is a prime franchise tag candidate for 2026, given his elite production and the Dallas Cowboys’ cautious approach to contract negotiations. Last season, Parsons generated 12 sacks, ranking (tied for 5th in NFL), 70 pressures, and 12 tackles for loss, with an elite 17.7% pressure rate.
Parsons’ reputation as one of the league’s most disruptive defenders is legitimate. He delivers high-level performance year after year, making him a cornerstone of the Dallas defense.
The financial landscape also supports the franchise tag scenario. With the top non-quarterback salaries exceeding $40 million annually, thanks to recent deals for Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, Parsons is positioned to command a record-setting contract on the open market.
The projected franchise tag for edge rushers in 2026 is not expected to exceed $28 million, which would allow the Cowboys to retain Parsons for another season at a cost significantly below his likely market value.
Denver Broncos: DT Zach Allen
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen has emerged as one of the league’s most disruptive defensive linemen after putting together a dominant 2024 campaign.
Allen registered a career-high 8.5 sacks, finished second in the NFL with 81 total pressures, and posted a 12.11% pressure rate (6th), earning second-team All-Pro honors despite being overlooked for the Pro Bowl. His exceptional ability against double teams and consistent pressure was a driving force for Denver, finishing first in PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
Allen turns 28 ahead of the 2025 season and is squarely in his prime. The franchise tag for next offseason is projected to be between $25 and $26 million per year, which feels right for a player of Allen’s caliber.
Detroit Lions: DT Levi Onwuzurike
Let’s be clear: Levi Onwuzurike won’t command anywhere near $25-26 million, the projected franchise tag value for defensive linemen, on the free agent market. However, with Kerby Joseph already extended, Onwuzurike is the next best Detroit Lions free agent.
Onwuzurike entered the league as a defensive tackle, but with Detroit needing edge help, he played 63% of his snaps outside in 2024. He logged a career-high 635 snaps and produced 1.5 sacks, 45 pressures, and 15 quarterback hits, with an 11.7% pressure rate.
That said, Onwuzurike is 27 years old and a former second-round pick. The Lions hope we haven’t seen his best work, but he’d have to do a lot of work to climb into franchise tag territory.
Green Bay Packers: OT Zach Tom
Zach Tom has emerged as one of the Green Bay Packers’ most reliable offensive linemen. He started all 17 games and excelled at right tackle, allowing just three sacks, 24 pressures, and two quarterback hits while maintaining a 4.6% pressure rate.
Tom has demonstrated valuable versatility by effectively playing multiple spots along the offensive line over his three seasons in Green Bay. His consistent performance helped the Packers rank near the top of the league in sacks allowed, and at 26 years old, he could be just hitting his stride.
Tom’s rookie contract expires after the 2025 season, and Spotrac projects a market value of $21.7 million annually. With the projected franchise tag ranging from $24 to $28 million, it would be reasonable for the Packers to use it on Tom, as he could garner significant interest on the market.
Houston Texans: WR Christian Kirk
Christian Kirk’s arrival in Houston comes at the perfect time, as the Texans are looking to find consistency from the wide receiver position to help C.J. Stroud. Nico Collins is one of the best in the game, but the rest of the group has question marks, with Stefon Diggs gone, Tank Dell on the shelf, and two rookies coming in.
Kirk’s production up to this point doesn’t warrant franchise tag consideration. His best season came in 2022, when he racked up 1,108 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He hasn’t come close to that level since, nor has he been able to stay on the field.
Still, Kirk’s proven ability to operate from the slot and his history of getting targeted in the red zone hint at untapped potential in a Texans offense seeking playmakers. He has a chance to rebound and improve his market position.
Indianapolis Colts: OT Bernhard Raimann
Bernhard Raimann’s 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts showcased his emergence as a rising star at left tackle. Despite missing three games, Raimann posted career-best numbers, allowing only four sacks, two quarterback hits, and 20 total pressures on 856 offensive snaps. He finished with a 4.5% pressure rate, the lowest of his career.
Raimann’s consistent improvement and high-level performance make him a valuable asset as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
The projected franchise tag for offensive tackles may be a little higher than his projected market value of $20.6 million. However, Braden Smith is also a free agent, so the Colts won’t want to lose both after they saw two interior linemen walk this offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Travis Etienne Jr.
At this point, Travis Etienne Jr.’s future with the Jacksonville Jaguars is up in the air. After back-to-back seasons with more than 1,400 scrimmage yards, his production dipped in 2024, finishing with just 812.
Etienne’s production correlates with his decreased workload. He carried the ball at least 220 times in his first two seasons but just 150 times in 15 games last year. His 3.7 yards per carry were a noticeable drop from his 5.1 YPC as a rookie.
Despite the dip in rushing production, he remains a valuable dual-threat back. His versatility out of the backfield could help him re-establish himself as a dynamic playmaker. Unfortunately, with Tank Bigsby and Bhyshul Tuten in the fold, it’s possible that the Jaguars may not be prioritizing Etienne in the long-term plans.
Kansas City Chiefs: G Trey Smith
The Kansas City Chiefs have already franchise-tagged Trey Smith once, so it’s not unreasonable to list him here. He also may be the only upcoming Chiefs free agent worthy of the tag, as he’s one of the league’s premier young guards.
Smith started all 17 games for the Chiefs last season, allowing zero sacks, just 26 pressures, and five quarterback hits over 1,115 snaps. His 4.0% pressure rate was the best of his career, and his run blocking was especially dominant, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
Given the Chiefs’ reliance on Smith to protect Patrick Mahomes and anchor the interior line, retaining him is a priority. It seems likely that Kansas City wants to get a long-term deal before next offseason, but the tag would allow the team to keep Smith for another season at a competitive rate.
Las Vegas Raiders: EDGE Malcolm Koonce
After an 8.0-sack breakout campaign in 2023, Malcolm Koonce missed all of 2024 after a preseason knee injury. The Buffalo product showed tremendous promise as a pass rusher in 2023, posting an impressive 15.7% pressure rate that ranked 20th among 109 edge rushers.
Koonce heads into the 2025 season on a prove-it deal, and he should be in for the most significant role of his career opposite four-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby. Given the attention Crosby commands, Koonce could benefit from advantageous one-on-one matchups.
The projected franchise tag for edge rushers is between $26 and $28 million, which is likely too high for Koonce, but his ceiling is still an unknown as he heads into his fourth NFL season.
Los Angeles Chargers: OT Rashawn Slater
Rashawn Slater’s performance in 2024 cemented his status as one of the NFL’s top young offensive tackles. He started 15 games for the Los Angeles Chargers, allowing only three sacks and 22 pressures and drawing just two penalties, while maintaining a 4.4% pressure rate.
Rashawn Slater in peak form. Top-tier anchor pic.twitter.com/LHEEKsxZNV
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 11, 2024
Given the scarcity of elite left tackles and the escalating market value for the position, the projected franchise tag for offensive linemen in 2026 is expected to be in the $23-28 million range, per Spotrac and Over the Cap estimates. His $25.5 million market value puts him squarely in the ballpark if the two sides can’t get an extension done.
Slater’s consistent Pro Bowl-caliber play and his role as a cornerstone protector for Justin Herbert give the Chargers every incentive to retain him.
Los Angeles Rams: RB Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams has rapidly emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive scoring threats, making him a strong extension candidate ahead of the 2026 offseason. Still, a franchise tag designation could be possible as well.
Williams carried the ball 316 times for 1,299 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2024. He added 34 receptions and two touchdowns out of the backfield, showcasing his versatility.
Williams is the only player with at least 12 rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. His 126 red-zone touches since 2023 highlight his role as a reliable finisher and a valuable asset in the Rams’ offense.
With the running back franchise tag projected to be around $13 to $14 million, the Rams could view tagging Williams as a cost-effective way to retain a top-tier back while they evaluate their long-term roster plans.
Miami Dolphins: EDGE Jaelan Phillips
Jaelan Phillips is heading into the final year of his rookie contract after the Miami Dolphins exercised his fifth-year option. Unfortunately, he’s coming off an abbreviated 2024 campaign, where a partially torn ACL limited him to just four games.
After suffering season-ending injuries in back-to-back seasons, there are some serious injury concerns heading into 2025. Before the injury, Phillips recorded six tackles, two quarterback hits, two pass breakups, and one sack, showing flashes of his skills despite limited action.
However, Phillips is only 26, and he has the opportunity to re-establish himself as a game-changer for Miami’s defense. It’s difficult to justify giving him the projected $26-28 million range, but that number reflects his upside.
Minnesota Vikings: S Josh Metellus
Josh Metellus emerged as a key defensive leader for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. The former sixth-round pick out of Michigan started all 17 games and finished with 103 tackles, 63 solo, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Metellus ranked among the league’s most productive safeties, consistently impacting the run and pass game. His reliability and versatility were instrumental to a Vikings defense that finished in the top 3 in our Defense+ metric.
With Cam Bynum leaving in free agency, Minnesota will ask Metellus to take on even more of a leadership role in 2025. It’s unclear if he’ll reach franchise tag territory, but he could play his way into a solid payday with another leap.
New England Patriots: None
Eliot Wolf and the New England Patriots’ front office have done an admirable job of taking care of their free agents in recent years. The 2026 crop is pretty thin, and none of the talents are worth using a franchise tag, given the rising costs.
The Patriots’ most notable 2026 free agent is cornerback Marcus Jones, who started nine games in 2024 and projects as the team’s starting slot corner in 2025. He’s electric in the return game and reliable at the nickel spot, but the $21-22 million range for corners is simply too high for him.
New Orleans Saints: WR Rashid Shaheed
The New Orleans Saints may not have a legitimate candidate for a franchise tag in 2026, but wide receiver Rashid Shaheed could command decent interest on the market next offseason.
Shaheed’s 2024 season was cut short by a torn meniscus, but his production before the injury highlighted his value as a deep threat for the Saints. Shaheed posted 20 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns in just six games, averaging 17.5 yards per catch.
Shaheed earned targets on a career-high 24.3% of his routes, demonstrating increased trust from the coaching staff and an expanded role in the offense.
Despite not being a traditional WR1, Shaheed’s ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays makes him a unique asset as he enters his age-27 season. A franchise tag feels rich for him, but his big-play ability could position him for a solid payday.
New York Giants: None
The New York Giants’ 2026 free agent class is largely underwhelming; thus, no one comes close to warranting a franchise tag designation.
The biggest name on the board is Russell Wilson, who’s 36 years old and well past his prime. Evan Neal, the team’s first-rounder in 2022, has yet to live up to the billing of a top-10 pick.
Wan’Dale Robinson has been productive in New York and is coming off the best season of his career, but he’s hardly worthy of franchise tag money.
New York Jets: RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall’s versatility and consistent production make him a viable candidate for the franchise tag in 2026. He’s yet to record a 1,000-yard rushing season, but that reflects more on the Jets’ offensive struggles than his performance.
In 2024, Hall carried the ball 209 times for 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He added 57 receptions for 483 receiving yards and three scores out of the backfield.
Hall and Bijan Robinson were the only running backs to reach 200 carries and 50 receptions for the second consecutive season, highlighting Hall’s rare dual-threat ability in both the running and passing game.
Hall’s unique workload and value to the offense can’t be overstated. His explosive playmaking and ability to contribute as a runner and receiver will be highly valued if he reaches free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles: TE Dallas Goedert
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense shifted focus with the addition of Saquon Barkley, but Dallas Goedert proved he still holds value. Despite missing seven games, Goedert finished with 42 receptions for 496 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.8 yards per catch.
Goedert posted a career-best +8.7 catch rate over expected, leading all tight ends in that metric for the season. His impact as a blocker matched his reliability as a receiver, as the Eagles averaged 6.3 yards per designed rush with him on the field compared to 4.9 without him, including playoff games.
The tight end franchise tag is projected to be around $14–16 million in 2026. With Goedert heading into his age-31 season, that figure could be difficult to justify with a lesser role, though.
Pittsburgh Steelers: EDGE T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt remains one of the NFL’s most productive and consistent edge rushers, making him a logical franchise tag candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers despite being in his 30s. Watt started all 17 games in 2024, delivering 11.5 sacks (tied for 8th in NFL) and leading the NFL with six forced fumbles.
Joe Alt, meet TJ Watt
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 22, 2024
Watt’s durability and impact were on full display, continuing a streak of at least 11.5 sacks in every healthy season of his career. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and generate turnovers makes him the No. 1 free agent in PFSN’s 2026 rankings.
With Watt set to turn 31 in October, the Steelers face a complicated decision regarding a long-term extension. Spotrac projects his market value to be $36.6 million annually, making a franchise tag in the $25-28 million range great value for Pittsburgh.
San Francisco 49ers: WR Jauan Jennings
Injuries forced Jauan Jennings into a more prominent role in 2024, and he rose to the occasion. The Tennessee product set career highs with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns.
He averaged 2.29 yards per route run and was highly effective from the slot, posting 429 yards and five touchdowns on 52 targets. With Deebo Samuel gone, Jennings can step into an even larger role in 2025.
Jennings is set to make $7.5 million this season and reportedly wants a new contract or a trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The $28 million projected franchise tag for receivers is awfully high for a guy like Jennings, but he clearly believes he deserves a big payday.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Riq Woolen
Riq Woolen is one of the NFL’s most athletic and productive cornerbacks in football. He played in 15 games last season, recording 46 tackles, 14 pass breakups, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Woolen has consistently limited opposing receivers throughout his young career. He has never allowed more than 6.3 yards per target in a season and has recorded multiple interceptions each year.
Woolen is just 26 years old and possesses rare physical traits for the position. The projected 2026 franchise tag for cornerbacks is expected to be in the $21–22 million range. The Seattle Seahawks may tag him if they can’t get a deal done, keeping one of the best young corner duos intact.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Mike Evans
Mike Evans is entering his age-32 season, but he remains a top receiving threat, showing little sign of decline after another productive campaign in 2024. He caught 74 passes for 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns, with a strong 13.6 yards per reception. He now has 11 straight seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards.
Evans matched or exceeded his career averages in yards per route run, target share, and red-zone usage, demonstrating that his physical playing style continues to challenge defenses even as his average depth of target decreased by 15.3% from 2023.
The Buccaneers could use the franchise tag on Evans to secure his services for another season without a long-term commitment. The 6-time Pro Bowler’s consistency, experience, and continued production make him a reasonable candidate even as he ages.
Tennessee Titans: S Amani Hooker
Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker has shown plenty of growth since entering the NFL in 2022. The 27-year-old started 14 games in 2024, recording 71 total tackles, four tackles for loss, five interceptions (tied for 4th among NFL safeties), nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Hooker allowed just 22 receptions on 39 targets and played more than 800 defensive snaps for the second straight season. His ability to generate turnovers and limit big plays was a rare bright spot for a Tennessee defense that struggled throughout the season.
Spotrac projects Hooker’s market value to be $17.1 million per year. With the projected franchise tag for safeties in 2026 expected to fall in the $20–21 million range, the Titans could reward him while trying to work out a long-term deal.
Washington Commanders: WR Terry McLaurin
Terry McLaurin shined as a go-to weapon in his first season, catching passes from Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. McLaurin posted 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns (2nd in NFL).
McLaurin’s efficiency also improved, with a 7.6% increase in yards per route run compared to his career average. His +0.57 EPA per target trailed only Amon-Ra St. Brown among receivers with at least 100 targets in 2024.
McLaurin and the Washington Commanders are in the middle of a contract dispute. Spotrac projects his market value at $31.1 million per year. The franchise tag could give them a slight break with a $24-28 million range, making McLaurin an ideal target.
