NFL Franchise Tag: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The NFL franchise tag is a powerful tool that teams can use to retain the services of key players who are set to become unrestricted free agents. By applying the franchise tag, teams can prevent other teams from signing the player and force them to remain with the team for one more season.
The franchise tag was first introduced in 1993 as a way to prevent teams from losing their best players to free agency. Since then, the franchise tag has been used sparingly, but it has become increasingly common in recent years.
How the Franchise Tag Works
The franchise tag is a one-year contract that is offered to a player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The contract is for the average salary of the top five players at the player’s position.
The player has the option of signing the franchise tag or holding out for a better contract. If the player signs the franchise tag, he is guaranteed to receive the average salary of the top five players at his position. If the player holds out, he risks not receiving a contract at all.
Benefits of the Franchise Tag
The franchise tag can be a valuable tool for teams that want to retain the services of key players. By applying the franchise tag, teams can prevent other teams from signing the player and force them to remain with the team for one more season.
The franchise tag can also be used to buy time for teams to negotiate a long-term contract with the player. If the player is unhappy with the franchise tag, he can hold out for a better contract. However, the team can use the franchise tag to prevent the player from signing with another team while they negotiate a long-term deal.
Drawbacks of the Franchise Tag
The franchise tag can also be a risky move for teams. If the player is unhappy with the franchise tag, he can hold out for a better contract. This can lead to the player missing training camp and regular season games.
The franchise tag can also be expensive for teams. The contract is for the average salary of the top five players at the player’s position. This can be a significant financial burden for teams that are already struggling to stay under the salary cap.
Conclusion
The NFL franchise tag is a powerful tool that teams can use to retain the services of key players. However, the franchise tag can also be a risky move for teams. Teams should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the franchise tag before using it.
