Every year, NFL teams face a big challenge: keeping their best players without breaking the bank. That’s where the franchise tag comes in. If you’ve ever wondered what the NFL franchise player designation is, don’t worry. We’re breaking it down in a fun and simple way.
Imagine your favorite player is about to become a free agent. That means he can sign with any team. Scary, right? But with the franchise tag, the team can hit the pause button—sort of like saying, “Wait! You’re not going anywhere… at least not yet.”
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this all means. But we’ll keep it light!
What Is the Franchise Tag?
The franchise tag is a special tool teams can use once per season. It helps them keep one of their top players for at least one more year. This prevents that player from running off to another team during free agency.
It’s like saving your favorite cookie before your sibling grabs it. You’re claiming it as yours!
Here’s what happens:
- The team chooses one player they want to keep off the market.
- They “tag” the player using one of the franchise tag options (we’ll get into those).
- The player is paid a salary based on the average of top salaries in the league.
- This deal lasts for just one season—unless a longer deal is worked out.
Types of Franchise Tags
There isn’t just one kind of franchise tag. Teams have a few options, depending on what they want to do with the player.
1. Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag
This is the most common type. The player must get a one-year contract based on the average of the top five salaries at their position. But other teams can still make them offers. If the tagged player signs with another team, the original team gets two first-round picks as compensation.
2. Exclusive Franchise Tag
This one is more serious. The player can’t talk to other teams. It’s like locking the door and throwing away the key (for a year, anyway). The player gets paid even more, based on the current year’s top salaries.
3. Transition Tag
This is a little softer. The team offers a one-year deal like before, but the salary is based on the top 10, not the top 5. Other teams can make offers, but the original team can match the offer and keep the player—with no draft picks involved.
Why Do Teams Use It?
Great players are expensive. And teams have a salary cap—a limit to how much they can spend. So the franchise tag helps teams keep their star players while giving them more time to work on a long-term deal.
It’s like hitting the snooze button. You have more time to think. But eventually, you still have to face the music.
How Do Players Feel About It?
Well… that’s a mixed bag.
- Some love it. It often means a big raise for that one year.
- Some hate it. They want long-term security, not a one-year gamble.
Injuries can happen in football. So playing on a one-year deal can be risky. Imagine risking your body for one season, with no promise for the future. That’s tough!
Fun Franchise Tag Facts
- The franchise tag was introduced in 1993.
- Teams can only tag one player per year.
- If you tag a player multiple years in a row, it gets more expensive each time.
- Some top stars have refused to play under the tag. Drama!
So, What’s the Final Score?
The franchise tag is a valuable NFL tool. It lets teams keep their stars, gives them time to negotiate, and adds plenty of football drama in the offseason.
For fans, it’s a rollercoaster. Will your favorite player stay? Will he hold out? Will he get traded? You never know until the whistle blows!
So next time you hear the words “franchise tag,” you’ll know exactly what it means. You’re now one step closer to being an NFL contract expert!