NFL Franchise Tag 2026: Key Dates & Players

The NFL's franchise tag window opens today, February 17, 2026, and closes on March 3rd, with several key players potentially set to be tagged.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The NFL's franchise tag window officially opened today, February 17, 2026, and will remain open through March 3rd at 4 p.m. ET. This period marks a critical juncture for teams looking to retain key players heading into free agency, but it's rarely a straightforward process. Teams often use the approaching deadline as leverage, hoping to secure long-term extensions before resorting to the one-year franchise tag. NFL teams have three options when it comes to utilizing the tag, each with different implications for both the player and the franchise.

Why it matters

The franchise tag significantly impacts the free agency landscape. By tagging key players, teams reduce the number of available free agents, potentially driving up the market value for those who remain. This can create a ripple effect throughout the league, influencing contract negotiations and team strategies.

The details

The non-exclusive franchise tag is the most frequently used. It guarantees a one-year salary based on the average of the top five salaries at the player's position over the last five years, or 120 percent of their previous salary, whichever figure is higher. The exclusive franchise tag offers the tagging team sole negotiating rights with the player, with a higher salary. The transition tag is a one-year tender based on the average of the top 10 salaries at the player's position, giving the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer from another team.

  • The NFL's franchise tag window officially opened today, February 17, 2026.
  • The franchise tag window will remain open through March 3rd at 4 p.m. ET.
  • If a player is tagged, the team has until July 15th to hammer out a multiyear deal.

The players

George Pickens

A wide receiver with the Dallas Cowboys who is reportedly a strong contender to receive the franchise tag this year.

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What’s next

Only two players received the tag last offseason, so the number of players tagged in 2026 remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The franchise tag system provides short-term stability for teams, but it can also strain relationships with players and potentially lead to costly contract disputes. Teams should carefully consider the long-term implications when using the franchise tag.