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The NFL is a business, and players and fans alike are reminded of that every offseason.
With the Super Bowl only being in the rearview for a month, the new league year is fast approaching, which means teams are going to have to make roster decisions. Trades and free agency are the most popular topics to talk about, but the often forgotten option every year, because it isn't used by every team, is the tag.
NFL teams have the option to franchise or transition tag one player every season. The non-exclusive franchise tag gives the player a one-year deal worth the average of the top-five salaries at his position. If another team wants to sign a player who has been franchise tagged, they will have to give two first-round draft picks to the original team, making it a rare occurrence.
The transition tag is also a one-year deal, but it is cheaper and takes the average of the top-10 salaries at a position, and it doesn't provide any compensation if the player decides to sign elsewhere. Tags prevent players from leaving in free agency, but at a high cost.
Here are the latest updates around the NFL for players who could be tagged in the 2026 NFL offseason.
MORE: Vinnie Iyer ranks the top 100 free agents in the 2026 offseason
NFL franchise tag tracker
George Pickens
Pickens is the biggest name to watch when it comes to getting tagged. He had a huge season for the Dallas Cowboys after they acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL journalist Judy Batiste reported that Stephen Jones said that they intend to franchise tag Pickens when they are first allowed, and "We think the world of him. We want him here."
Franchise tagging Pickens would cost Dallas around $28,037,000, but it would give them time to work out a long-term deal.
Breece Hall
New York Jets running back Breece Hall is also a candidate for some type of tag. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that "the Jets are weighing all options with Breece Hall's future, including a tag and/or an effort toward a long-term deal." He added that league sources say that New York is leaning toward the transition tag, but that hasn't been solidified yet.
Kyle Pitts
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Falcons intend to tag Pitts when the new league year begins. The tight end would get a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth an estimated $16 million. The tag at the very least buys Atlanta some time to work out a long-term deal with the tight end, while likely taking away the threat of him signing elsewhere in free agency.
The #Falcons are planning to franchise tag standout TE Kyle Pitts, sources say, keeping their playmaker in the fold on a 1-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15M.
The hope is to work out a long-term deal rather than the tag. The two sides have until July to do it. pic.twitter.com/dwtlUbKxz7
NFL franchise tag values 2026
Below is a full list of the estimated non-exclusive franchise tag values for the 2026 offseason, per Spotrac.
Franchise Tag
| Position | Franchise Tag Value |
| Quarterback | $47,242,000 |
| Running Back | $14,186,000 |
| Wide Receiver | $28,037,000 |
| Tight End | $16,007,000 |
| Offensive Linemen | $27,764,000 |
| Defensive End | $27,710,000 |
| Defensive Tackle | $27,424,000 |
| Linebackers | $27,559,000 |
| Cornerback | $20,783,000 |
| Safety | $20,758,000 |
| Kickers/Punters | $6,846,000 |
Transition Tag
| Position | Transition Tag Value |
| Quarterback | $40,744,000 |
| Running Back | $11,410,000 |
| Wide Receiver | $24,390,000 |
| Tight End | $13,529,000 |
| Offensive Linemen | $25,101,000 |
| Defensive End | $22,390,000 |
| Defensive Tackle | $21,882,000 |
| Linebacker | $22,983,000 |
| Cornerback | $17,466,000 |
| Safety | $16,369,000 |
| Kicker/Punter | $6,133,000 |
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