The franchise tag window is open for the 2026 NFL offseason. From Tuesday, Feb. 17, through 4 p.m. ET on March 3, all 32 teams will have two weeks to decide whether they want to tag their most valuable pending unrestricted free agents.
By using up to one allotted franchise tag, teams will either be set on giving a player a one-year all-guaranteed salary or buying time to settle on a long-term deal before the extension deadline in mid-July. Teams also could think about tagging and trading a player with the draft pick compensation based on whether they assign or an exclusive or non-exclusive tag.
The franchise tag was only used by two teams in 2025, with the Bengals attaching it to wide receiver Tee Higgins and the Chiefs designating guard Trey Smith. Both players ended up getting lucrative multiple-year contracts.
Will there be more than two franchise tags applied to players in 2026? Here's breaking down the most likely candidates:
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NFL free agency: Best franchise tag candidates 2026
George Pickens, WR, Cowboys (position tag value: $28.037 million)
Pickens had a massive breakout season for Dallas with high production playing off CeeDee Lamb, connecting well with Dak Prescott as a big-play and scoring threat outside. The Cowboys should do everything they can to keep him after acquiring him from the Steelers as an essential part of Brian Schottenheimer's offense.
Daniel Jones, QB, Colts (position tag value: $47.242 million)
The Colts should be ready to lock into Jones but with him coming off a torn Achilles' that limited his first season in Indianapolis to 13 games, it would make sense to use the tag as a valuable place-holder. This assumes the Colts feel like there's no other veteran QB out there who can execute as well in Shane Steichen's offense.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons (position tag value: $16.007 million)
The Falcons should make Pitts a priority, given that this price for tight ends is nice in relation to tags at other positions. Pitts will be key in the new offense of Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees, given that duo got great production from the Browns' tight ends. Whoever is the healthy QB, Michael Penix Jr. or otherwise, Pitts has become an essential piece in the passing game.
Breece Hall, RB, Jets (position tag value: $14.186 million)
The Jets should be on the fence about giving Hall this much, even for one more season, with their need to rebuild across the board, starting at quarterback. But on the other hand, he's their best offensive player overall from 2025 and they would be further lost on that side of the ball without him.
Kenneth Walker
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks (position tag value: $14.186 million)
Walker has more value for Seattle with Zach Charbonnet facing a long recovery from his devastating knee injury in the playoffs. Walker proved he can be a key workhorse through his Super Bowl 60 MVP superstar turn, even at time if he can struggle with pass protection and receiving. This price isn't so bad when considering the Seahawks have a ton of cap space and are willing to let some high-priced defensive players walk.
Odafe Oweh, EDGE, Chargers (position tag value: $27.6 million)
Oweh was a steal coming over in a midseason trade from the Ravens with his 7.5 sacks in 12 games, finally living up to his high pass-rush expectations as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He should be essential for new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Eagles (positional tag value: $26.71 million)
Phillips also came over in a midseason trade as part of the Dolphins' fire sale. He built on his strong pass-rush and stopping in his eight games with Philadelphia and ended up with five sacks and a lot of consistent pressure. The Eagles need to try to keep him as an outside linebacker, ideal for Vic Fangio's scheme.