The National Football League (NFL) has just announced the franchise tags for the 2025 season, and the results are staggering. With a historically low number of franchise player designations, it's clear that teams are hesitant to shell out the big bucks required to tag their top players.
The high cost of franchise tags has become a major deterrent for teams, as it can greatly impact their salary cap space and limit their ability to sign other key players. As a result, many teams have opted not to use the franchise tag, instead choosing to negotiate long-term deals with their players or let them test the open market.
So, which players were lucky enough to receive the coveted franchise tag? Unfortunately, the list is shorter than usual, with only a handful of players being tagged. These players will earn a significant amount of money, with the exact figure depending on their position and the average salary of the top players at that position.
For example, a quarterback who receives the franchise tag can expect to earn over $30 million per year, while a defensive end may earn around $20 million per year. These figures are based on the average salary of the top five players at each position and can vary depending on the team's salary cap situation and other factors.
Despite the high cost, the franchise tag can be a useful tool for teams looking to retain their top talent. By tagging a player, a team can ensure that they will retain the player's rights for at least another year, giving them time to negotiate a long-term deal or prepare for life without the player.
However, the franchise tag can also be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows teams to keep their best players, but on the other hand, it can limit their ability to sign other key players and build a well-rounded roster. As a result, teams must carefully weigh the pros and cons of using the franchise tag and consider their long-term goals and priorities.
In conclusion, the 2025 NFL franchise tags have been announced, and the results are surprising. With a historically low number of tags, it's clear that teams are being cautious with their salary cap space. As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see how the tagged players perform and whether the teams that chose not to use the franchise tag will regret their decision.