What is the transition tag in the NFL? Difference between tags, values
· Yahoo Sports
Tag, you're it.
The franchise tag deadline has come and gone, firmly signaling that the NFL offseason is underway. With free agency just around the corner, NFL fans and teams have a clearer vision on which players will hit the free agent market. In the meantime, debates will rage on internally as teams make decisions about the future for some of the league's stars.
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Cost can be an issue when it comes to using the franchise tag, but the loss of a key player could prove to be even more costly. That leaves teams with a few different tag options, including the exclusive, non-exclusive and transition tags.
On the player side, it's all about reaching the open market and trying to secure the best contract possible. Some will inevitably shake free, but not all.
Here's everything to know about the franchise tag and the projected values for 2026.
What is a franchise tag?
The franchise tag is a one-year, fully guaranteed deal that a team can give to a player in order to prevent them from reaching free agency.
It's a tool that is often used by the team as a precursor to working out a long-term extension for the player. In some cases, the tag is simply to ensure that player will remain with the club for at least another year. The tag can be costly for the team, depending on the player they are looking to apply it to.
Franchise tags are determined by position and the value is determined by an average of the highest-paid players at that spot, meaning those values typically rise year-to-year.
What is the difference between a franchise tag and a transition tag?
There are three types of tags which teams can place on a player:
- Non-exclusive franchise tag: Players are allowed to negotiate with other teams and sign an offer sheet. If that happens, the current team can either match that offer or let the player go in exchange for two first-round draft picks. Teams can also negotiate terms of a trade, if they prefer to do that.
- Exclusive franchise tag: A player receiving this version of the tag cannot negotiate elsewhere.
- Transition tag: Much like the non-exclusive tag, players can negotiate with other clubs in this situation. However, if the current team declines to match the offer sheet, they will be afforded no draft compensation for letting that player walk.
Franchise tag values 2026
Here's a look at the projected values for 2026, according to OverTheCap:
- Quarterback: $43.895 million (franchise) | $37.833 million (transition)
- Running back: $14.293 million | $11.323 million
- Wide receiver: $27.298 million | $23.852 million
- Tight end: $15.045 million | $12.687 million
- Offensive line: $25.773 million | $23.392 million
- Defensive end: $24.434 million | $21.512 million
- Defensive tackle: $27.127 million | $22.521 million
- Linebacker: $26.865 million | $21.925 million
- Cornerback: $21.161 million | $18.119 million
- Safety: $20.149 million | $16.012 million
- Kicker/punter: $6.649 million | $6.005 million
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL franchise tag, explained: Differences, values for 2026