The **NFL** franchise tag window is officially set to close today at 4:00 PM ET, according to **@AdamSchefter**. This deadline serves as a critical juncture in the league's offseason calendar, marking the final opportunity for teams to prevent key players from reaching the open market.
Under the league's collective bargaining agreement, each of the 32 teams has the option to apply one franchise or transition tag to a pending unrestricted free agent. This designation allows teams to retain a player's rights for the upcoming season, typically under a guaranteed one-year contract, while providing a broader window to negotiate a long-term extension. If a team chooses not to apply the tag by the 4:00 PM ET cutoff, that player will be eligible to enter unrestricted free agency when the new league year begins.
As the clock winds down, several high-profile stars across the league remain in limbo. The decision to use the tag often involves complex salary cap considerations, as the cost of the tag is determined by the average of the top salaries at the player's specific position. Once the deadline passes, the focus will shift to the legal tampering period and the official start of free agency.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting