NFL Franchise Tag Deadline Shapes Roster Futures
The NFL's franchise tag deadline on Tuesday marked a significant point for teams and players, as decisions were made regarding contract extensions or entry into free agency. While a franchise or transition tag secures a player's salary for the upcoming season, it prevents them from testing the open market. Teams and players who received tags have until July 15 to negotiate long-term agreements.
The franchise tag deadline is a pivotal moment, securing salaries for some while opening the door to free agency for others.
Players Receiving Tags
Several key players across the league were designated with franchise or transition tags by the deadline, solidifying their immediate future with their current teams.
- Kyle Pitts Sr. (Tight End, Atlanta Falcons) received a franchise tag prior to the deadline.
- George Pickens (Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys) also received a franchise tag ahead of the deadline.
- Breece Hall (Running Back, New York Jets) was franchise tagged on deadline day. The tag guarantees him a salary of $14.293 million for the upcoming season, placing him among the league's top-paid running backs by annual salary. The Jets reportedly intend to pursue a long-term contract with Hall.
- Daniel Jones (Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts) received the transition tag, which includes a salary of $37.833 million. This figure is approximately $6 million less than what a franchise tag would have provided. Jones is the first quarterback in over 30 years to receive a transition tag.
Free Agency Outlook for Untagged Players
For many other players, the deadline meant they would become eligible for unrestricted free agency, poised to explore new opportunities on the open market.
- Kenneth Walker III (Running Back, Seattle Seahawks), 25, was not franchise tagged, allowing him to enter free agency. He is projected as a prominent running back available, with an estimated market value exceeding $36 million over four years.
- Trey Hendrickson (Defensive End, Cincinnati Bengals), 31, also became eligible for free agency after not receiving a tag. Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and has been a Pro Bowler in each of his four years with the Bengals. His availability will significantly impact the pass-rusher market.
- Alec Pierce (Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts), 25, moved closer to free agency as the Colts utilized their tag designation on quarterback Daniel Jones, preventing them from tagging another player. Pierce led the NFL in yards-per-reception in both 2024 (22.3 yards) and 2025 (21.3 yards). In 2025, he recorded 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. He is projected to receive a significant contract raise from his rookie deal, with an estimated market value nearing $81 million over four years.
Colts' Strategic Approach to Jones and Pierce
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard had indicated a preference to retain both Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce without using a tag. Prior to the deadline, talks with Alec Pierce were ongoing, with a deal considered possible.
Reports suggested that certainty regarding the quarterback position, specifically Daniel Jones, would influence Pierce's decision to sign a long-term contract with Indianapolis.
Jones's situation remained fluid until the transition tag was applied. The recent release of quarterback Kyler Murray by the Arizona Cardinals, who was owed $36.8 million, may also factor into Daniel Jones's market discussions as teams evaluate quarterback values.