NFL Franchise Tag Fallout: Winners, Losers, and the Future of Tee Higgins

The NFL franchise tag deadline has passed, and the ripple effects are already being felt across the league. Only two players were tagged: Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs' guard, and Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys secured a hefty extension for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, signaling a busy free agency period ahead.

Winners of the Tag Deadline

1. Sam Darnold: The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback is set to hit free agency after a surprisingly strong season. With no franchise tag applied, Darnold is poised to cash in on his resurgence, potentially landing a lucrative deal with teams like the Raiders or Steelers.

2. Micah Parsons: The Cowboys' decision to extend Odighizuwa instead of tagging him bodes well for Parsons. With Odighizuwa's disruption capabilities intact, Parsons can continue to thrive as one of the league’s premier edge rushers.

3. Chris Godwin: The Buccaneers' wide receiver is now one of the top available free agents in a thin receiver market. Godwin's productivity and age make him a prime target for teams in need of a playmaker.

Losers of the Tag Deadline

1. Tee Higgins: Tagged for the second consecutive year, Higgins finds himself in a precarious position. While he’ll earn $26.2 million in 2025, the long-term financial security of a free agency deal remains elusive.

2. New England Patriots: With Higgins and Smith off the table, the Patriots miss out on two players who could have addressed glaring needs in their roster. Their $129 million in cap space will now need to be directed elsewhere.

What’s Next for Tee Higgins?

Higgins’ situation is far from ideal. The second franchise tag ensures he’ll earn $46.8 million over two years, but it also limits his potential to secure a long-term deal. Injuries have plagued Higgins in recent seasons, adding uncertainty to his future. If the Bengals fail to extend him before the July 15 deadline, trade offers could come flooding in.

The Domino Effect

The franchise tag decisions have set the stage for a dramatic free agency period. With top-tier players like Higgins and Smith unavailable, teams will scramble to secure the next best options. As the legal tampering period begins on March 10, expect the market to heat up quickly.

Conclusion

The franchise tag deadline has reshaped the NFL landscape, creating winners and losers across the board. As teams prepare for free agency, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting implications for the 2025 season.