Franchise Tag Window Opens, Focus on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III

Teams may apply the tag before the Scouting Combine as they look to retain top talent.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The annual two-week window for NFL teams to apply the franchise tag opens on Tuesday, February 17. While the final deadline is March 3, some teams may choose to tag players early, especially high-profile free agents like Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP. The franchise tag allows teams to retain a top player for one more year, but at a high cost.

Why it matters

The franchise tag is a contentious issue in the NFL, as it prevents players from reaching the open market and earning their full market value. However, it gives teams the ability to hold onto their best talent, at least for one more season. This year's tag decisions will have major implications for several star players and their future contracts.

The details

The franchise tag will cost the Seahawks $14.1 million to retain Kenneth Walker III for the 2026 season. Other notable potential franchise tag candidates include Cowboys receiver George Pickens and Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. Teams have until March 3 to apply the tag, but some may choose to do so before the Scouting Combine next week to get ahead of the process.

  • The franchise tag window opens on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The final deadline to apply the franchise tag is March 3, 2026.
  • The NFL Scouting Combine takes place next week in Indianapolis.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

Seahawks running back who won Super Bowl MVP after a standout 2025 season.

George Pickens

Cowboys wide receiver who could be a franchise tag candidate.

Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons tight end who is set to hit free agency unless tagged.

Jaelan Phillips

Linebacker acquired by the Eagles in a 2025 trade, who could depart in free agency.

Trey Hendrickson

Bengals defensive end who may be tagged again despite lingering acrimony with the team.

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What they’re saying

“The only day that really matters is the last day for applying the tag (March 3). But with the Scouting Combine (a/k/a Tampering Central) coming next week, some teams may be inclined to apply the tag before all of them convene in Indianapolis, in order to make it clear that an impending free agent won't be free.”

— Mike Florio (nbcsports.com)

“It would cost the Seahawks $14.1 million to extend Walker's stay by a fifth year and/or to extend until July 15 the ability to sign him to a long-term deal.”

— Mike Florio (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks must decide by March 3 whether to apply the $14.1 million franchise tag to keep Kenneth Walker III for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The franchise tag remains a contentious but valuable tool for NFL teams to retain their top talent, even if it comes at a high cost and prevents players from reaching the open market. This year's tag decisions will have major implications for several star players and their future contracts.