2025 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates: Key Players and Strategic Decisions

A Comprehensive Look at NFL Franchise Tag Strategy for 2025

The NFL franchise tag is one of the most powerful tools available to teams in managing their rosters. As the two-week franchise tag window opens on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, teams across the league are evaluating whether to tag key players to retain their services for the upcoming season or let them test free agency. The franchise tag figures are calculated based on the top five salaries at each position, and the cost increases with each subsequent use. This article takes a team-by-team approach to highlight potential franchise tag candidates and the strategic considerations involved.

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: With a focus on drafting and developing players, the Bills have not used the franchise tag in seven offseasons under GM Brandon Beane. This trend is expected to continue in 2025.

• Miami Dolphins: Safety Jevon Holland is the only potential candidate, but the $20 million price tag seems excessive given his 2024 performance. The Dolphins are likely to either negotiate a long-term deal or let him test free agency.

• New England Patriots: With a light free-agent class led by players like Jonathan Jones and Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots are unlikely to use the tag this offseason.

• New York Jets: Despite seven starters becoming free agents, none are considered tag-worthy. Cornerback D.J. Reed is expected to draw interest in the open market but won’t be tagged.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: After tagging Lamar Jackson and Nnamdi Madubuike in recent years, the Ravens lack a viable candidate this offseason due to salary cap constraints.

• Cincinnati Bengals: Wide receiver Tee Higgins is a potential tag candidate for the second consecutive year, giving the Bengals time to negotiate a long-term deal or explore trade options.

• Cleveland Browns: With significant salary cap issues, the Browns are unlikely to use the tag on any of their pending free agents, including Nick Chubb and Elijah Moore.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers may consider a transition tag for Russell Wilson or Justin Fields but are unlikely to use the franchise tag due to its high cost.

AFC South

• Houston Texans: Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, recovering from a torn ACL, is unlikely to be tagged due to his age and the high cost of the tag for wideouts.

• Indianapolis Colts: Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo is the most intriguing free agent, but the Colts are unlikely to commit over $20 million for a one-year tag.

• Jacksonville Jaguars: With no standout pending free agents worth the tag, the Jaguars will likely focus on retaining lower-cost players like Brandon Scherff and Andre Cisco.

• Tennessee Titans: The Titans have no players in this year’s free-agent class who warrant franchise tag consideration.

AFC West

• Denver Broncos: None of the Broncos’ pending free agents, including Javonte Williams, are likely to be tagged.

• Kansas City Chiefs: With limited cap space, the Chiefs are unlikely to use the tag on guard Trey Smith, despite their desire to retain him.

• Las Vegas Raiders: Safety Tre’von Moehrig is a potential candidate, but the $20 million tag cost exceeds his market value.

• Los Angeles Chargers: Khalil Mack cannot be tagged, and the Chargers are unlikely to use the tag on any other free agents.

NFC East

• Dallas Cowboys: Defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa is a potential candidate, but the $23 million tag cost is prohibitive.

• New York Giants: Wide receiver Darius Slayton is not expected to be tagged, as he falls outside the elite receiver category.

• Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles haven’t used the tag since 2012 and are unlikely to do so in 2025.

• Washington Commanders: None of their free agents, including Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, are worth the tag cost.

NFC North

• Chicago Bears: The Bears are unlikely to use the tag on Keenan Allen or Teven Jenkins due to age and injury concerns.

• Detroit Lions: The Lions are expected to let their top free agents test the market rather than using the tag.

• Green Bay Packers: The Packers have used the tag sparingly in recent years and are unlikely to do so in 2025.

• Minnesota Vikings: While tagging Sam Darnold is an option, the Vikings are more likely to use it on cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons: Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons are unlikely to be tagged due to their age and the Falcons’ salary cap situation.

• Carolina Panthers: With no standout free agents, the Panthers are unlikely to use the tag.

• New Orleans Saints: With salary cap constraints, the Saints are unlikely to use the tag on cornerback Paulson Adebo.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: While the Bucs want to re-sign Chris Godwin, they are unlikely to use the franchise tag for a third time.

NFC West

• Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have no free agents who warrant the tag this offseason.

• Los Angeles Rams: Left tackle Alaric Jackson is unlikely to be tagged due to the $25 million cost.

• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are focused on extending players like Brock Purdy and George Kittle rather than using the tag.

• Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks rarely use the tag and are unlikely to do so in 2025.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL franchise tag window presents teams with tough decisions as they balance roster needs, salary cap constraints, and long-term planning. While some players like Tee Higgins and Byron Murphy Jr. may be tagged, many teams will explore other options to retain or replace their key free agents.