The 2026 NFL franchise tag primer: Candidates to watch while the window is open
It's that time of year again when the NFL franchise tag process takes center stage, and you'd be forgiven if you've forgotten about it. The excitement of the Seattle Seahawks' victory parade has faded, and last year's tag season was, well, forgettable. Only two players -- Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and Chiefs' guard Trey Smith -- received the tag in 2025. Both eventually secured long-term contracts, which is the ideal scenario for both players and teams. The tag prevents a team's top free agent from leaving, but the player is eventually rewarded with the long-term security that the tag doesn't provide.
However, things don't always work out so smoothly. The tag can be used as leverage for a trade or simply to retain a player, even if a long-term deal seems unlikely. And, of course, a player with a non-exclusive tag can sign with another team, but only if that team is willing to give up two first-round draft picks to the player's original team, which is rarely the case. This is why the franchise tag is a powerful tool for management to limit the open market and keep wages in check.
The window for teams to apply the tag -- they can use it once per year -- opens on Tuesday and closes on March 3. If a player gets the tag, the team has until July 15 to secure a longer-term deal. If no deal is reached, the player plays under the one-year tag, which players generally dislike due to the lack of long-term security against the risk of injury. An alternative is the transition tag, which gives the team the right of first refusal if another team makes an offer to the tagged player.
The final salary cap figure for 2026 is yet to be determined, but it's expected to be north of $300 million per team, possibly closer to $305 million. This makes it an excellent time to be a premier free agent in the NFL.
Here are some players who could be tagged in the coming weeks:
Dallas Cowboys, WR: There's almost no doubt that Pickens will be tagged. Traded to Dallas last May, he had a career season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in the final year of his rookie contract. He also helped free up CeeDee Lamb and Stephen Jones has indicated the Cowboys want Pickens to stay. This could be a placeholder while negotiations for a long-term deal continue, but the Cowboys have also shown a willingness to trade top players for draft picks. It's hard to rule out a trade, but Pickens seems likely to remain a Cowboy.
Indianapolis Colts, QB: The Colts have made it clear they want Jones back, whose renaissance season on a one-year deal was cut short by an Achilles injury. Other teams would be interested if Jones were to hit free agency, so if a deal isn't struck before the free agent negotiating period begins on March 9, Jones could get the tag to buy time. The decision on Jones is linked to the Colts' chances of retaining receiver Alec Pierce, who had a career year. If a deal with Jones is reached, the Colts could use their tag on Pierce.
Seattle Seahawks, RB: Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker made himself indispensable in the final weeks of the season, running for 248 yards in Weeks 15-18 and another 313 in the playoffs. The Seahawks want Walker back, but the expected tag of around $14 million is pricey, and the team has other business to attend to this offseason. Either way, Walker had the performance of his lifetime at the perfect time to cash in, whether in Seattle or elsewhere.
Los Angeles Chargers, LB: Oweh had a strong second half for the Chargers after being traded from the Ravens, accumulating 7.5 sacks in 12 regular-season games and three more in the team's wild-card loss. The Chargers have projected cap space, so even the likely tag amount of around $27 million should be manageable if they choose to use it.
Cincinnati Bengals, DE: Hendrickson had an injury-hampered season, finishing with four sacks in seven games. However, the Bengals retained the right to use the tag on him during contract talks last summer, which led to a raise in his walk year. Given the nature of previous negotiations, it's easy to assume he'll play in 2025 and then move on. But perhaps tagging Hendrickson is a prelude to a trade, or the Bengals might keep him for one more season. A defense in need of an overhaul would benefit from keeping its best player.
As the franchise tag window opens, these players and others are in the spotlight. The decisions made by teams and players will shape the NFL landscape for the 2026 season and beyond. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the free agency period begins on March 9.
