The 2025 NFL franchise tag deadline has come and gone, leaving a trail of strategic decisions that will significantly impact teams and players in the upcoming season. Notably, only two players received the franchise tag this year: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith. Meanwhile, quarterback Sam Darnold was not tagged by the Minnesota Vikings, positioning him as a top free agent in the market. The New England Patriots, despite having substantial salary cap space, did not utilize the franchise tag, potentially missing out on securing a top-tier wide receiver.
Winners
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s omission from the franchise tag by the Minnesota Vikings propels him into free agency as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks. After signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings in 2024, Darnold led the team to 14 regular-season victories and earned a Pro Bowl selection. His performance has set the stage for a lucrative contract, with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who have significant cap space, potentially vying for his services.
Tee Higgins
The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to franchise tag Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year underscores his value to the team. The tag ensures Higgins a $26.2 million salary for the 2025 season, reflecting his status as a premier wide receiver. In 2024, despite injuries limiting him to 12 games, Higgins amassed 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bengals have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal, but Higgins’ immediate financial gain is substantial.
Trey Smith
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith also received the franchise tag, securing a $23.4 million salary for the upcoming season. Smith’s consistent performance, starting 67 out of 68 regular-season games since his 2021 debut and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2024, highlights his importance to the Chiefs’ offensive line. The team aims to finalize a long-term contract with Smith before the July 15 deadline.
Losers
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, despite possessing a league-leading $128.1 million in salary cap space, chose not to apply the franchise tag to any player. This decision could be seen as a missed opportunity, particularly in securing a top wide receiver to bolster their offense. With second-year quarterback Drake Maye at the helm, the absence of a premier receiving target may hinder the team’s offensive development.
Teams Needing Wide Receivers
Teams in dire need of wide receiver talent may view the Bengals’ decision to tag Tee Higgins as a setback. Higgins was poised to be a top free agent, and his retention by Cincinnati limits the options available for receiver-needy teams seeking to upgrade their offensive weapons.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ financial maneuvering raises concerns, as they are currently $15.9 million over the NFL salary cap, partly due to tagging Trey Smith. If they fail to become cap-compliant by the March 12 deadline, they risk penalties such as fines, loss of draft picks, and voided contracts. Key players like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones may need to restructure their contracts to alleviate the cap burden.
In conclusion, the franchise tag decisions of 2025 have set the stage for a dynamic offseason, with significant implications for players and teams alike. While some players secured substantial financial commitments, others face uncertain futures as free agency approaches.
