Today at 4 p.m. ET marks the official deadline for NFL teams to use a tag on players whose contracts were set to expire ahead of the new league year.
There are three tender options: 1) Non-exclusive franchise tag; 2) Exclusive franchise tag; 3) Transition tag.
Non-exclusive franchise tag: The most commonly used tag. When most refer to the "franchise tag," they generally talk about the non-exclusive version. This is a one-year tender of the average of the top five salaries at the player's position over the last five years, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The tagged player can negotiate with other teams, but his current team has the right to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs with another club.
Exclusive franchise tag: Unlike the non-exclusive version, the tagging team retains the sole right to negotiate with the player. The exclusivity raises the pay scale (current average salary versus averaging of the previous five years). This is a one-year tender offer of the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. Few receive the exclusive tag. Generally, players for whom other teams would gladly give up two first-round picks receive this version of the tag -- read: quarterbacks.
Transition tag: The transition tag is a one-year tender offer for the average of the top 10 salaries at the position -- as opposed to the top five for the franchise tag. It guarantees the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer the player might receive from another club. The tagging team is awarded no compensation if it chooses not to match a deal.
Below is a rundown of all the league's tag news leading up to Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Tagged
The Jets placing their non-exclusive franchise tag on Hall on March 3. Hall would make $14.293 million if he played the 2026 season on the tag.
The Colts placed their transition tag on Jones on March 3. The transition tag is worth $37.833 million for one season.
The Cowboys placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens on Feb. 27. Pickens is expected to make $27.298 million on the tag. The WR is coming off a career-best season with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Falcons placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Pitts on Feb. 24. The TE is slated to make $15.045 million on the tag. Pitts is coming off a career-best year in 2025 with 88 receptions, 928 yards and five touchdowns.
Not tagged
The Bengals will not use their franchise tag on Hendrickson, allowing the veteran to hit free agency next week, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on March 3.