Franchise Tag Rules: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The franchise tag is a powerful tool used by NFL teams to retain key players who are set to become unrestricted free agents. By applying the franchise tag, a team can prevent a player from negotiating with other teams and force them to remain with the team for one more season. However, the franchise tag comes with a number of rules and restrictions that teams must adhere to.
Types of Franchise Tags
There are two types of franchise tags:
- Exclusive Franchise Tag: This tag gives the team the exclusive right to negotiate with the player. If the player does not sign a contract with the team by a certain deadline, they cannot sign with any other team.
- Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag: This tag allows the player to negotiate with other teams, but the team has the right to match any offer that the player receives. If the team does not match the offer, the player can sign with the other team.
Eligibility for the Franchise Tag
To be eligible for the franchise tag, a player must meet the following criteria:
- Have played for the team for at least three seasons
- Have been a starter for at least two seasons
- Not have been designated as a franchise player in the previous two seasons
Compensation Under the Franchise Tag
The amount of compensation that a player receives under the franchise tag is determined by a formula based on the average salary of the top five players at the player’s position. The player can negotiate a higher salary with the team, but the team is not obligated to pay more than the amount determined by the formula.
Deadlines
There are a number of important deadlines associated with the franchise tag:
- February 27th: The deadline for teams to designate a player as a franchise player.
- March 7th: The deadline for players to sign a contract with their team under the exclusive franchise tag.
- July 15th: The deadline for players to sign a contract with their team under the non-exclusive franchise tag.
Consequences of Not Signing a Contract
If a player does not sign a contract with their team by the deadline, they will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team. The team that applied the franchise tag will receive no compensation for the player.
Conclusion
The franchise tag is a complex and important tool that NFL teams can use to retain key players. However, it is important to understand the rules and restrictions associated with the franchise tag before using it. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, teams can avoid costly mistakes and maximize the benefits of the franchise tag.
