NFL Franchise Tag Window Opens

- There are three types of franchise tags teams can use: exclusive, non-exclusive, and transition. The exclusive tag prevents a player from negotiating with other teams, while the non-exclusive tag allows the original team to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. The transition tag gives the original team the right to match any offer without receiving compensation if they decline. - The cost of the franchise tag is a one-year guaranteed contract based on the top salaries at the player's position. For 2026, the projected franchise tag value for a quarterback is the highest at approximately $47.3 million, while the projected cost for a running back is around $14.5 million. - Teams have until July 15 to sign a tagged player to a multi-year extension. If no long-term deal is reached, the player plays the season on the one-year tag contract. Only two players were given the franchise tag last season: Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Chiefs guard Trey Smith. - Potential candidates for the franchise tag in 2026 include Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, New York Jets running back Breece Hall, and Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. - The Miami Dolphins released four players to create salary cap space: wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, offensive guard James Daniels, and edge rusher Bradley Chubb. These moves are expected to clear over $53 million in cap space for the 2026 offseason. - Tyreek Hill's release came after a significant leg injury that ended his 2025 season. His release clears approximately $21 million in cap space. - The release of Bradley Chubb was also a significant financial move, as his 2026 salary was not guaranteed. Depending on the timing, his release could save the Dolphins over $20 million in cap space. - The legal tampering period, when teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents, starts on March 9, with the new league year and official start of free agency beginning on March 11.