From February 19 to March 5, teams have a two-week window where they can 'tag' players with a one-year deal
Tuesday 5 March 2019 16:41, UK
The NFL Scouting Combine is looming, the new league year is on the horizon, and even further in the distance, the NFL Draft in Nashville will provide its usual excitement and surprises. But now it's tagging season.
The pace will pick up with the Combine, free agency and the Draft but before all of them, football's 'tagging period' opened on February 19. Teams have until 4pm on March 5 to place a franchise or transition tag on a player.
If a player is hit with the franchise tag, they have until July 15 to agree on a new multi-year contract with their team before their salary is confirmed for the 2019 season.
Players may decide not to sign it, preferring to seek their true worth and thrash out the terms of a new deal. Or - like in Le'Veon Bell's case last year with the Steelers - they might not agree a new deal, sit out the final year of their contract without playing a snap, hoping for free agency the year after.
So what can we expect from the next two weeks? How does the process work?
For NFL teams, it's a way to get some form of control and make sure they don't lose a valuable player for nothing when a contract runs out. In giving a tag to a player, they can guarantee themselves at least a year of ownership, and the added time can also lead to new terms being negotiated.
Players, however, are not big fans of the designations. They lose an element of leverage in contract negotiations and, in general, no player likes playing on a short contract without future guarantees. The 2017 season was a prime example of how injuries can come thick and fast, so players want long-term security.
Exclusive franchise tag: The team pays a player either the average salary of the top five highest-paid players at his position or 120 per cent of his previous year's salary - whichever of the two is higher. Players can also be tagged up to three times by a team, but the pay escalates heavily in this case. If a player receives this tag, they can't negotiate with other teams. They either sign the deal, sign a new contract, or hold out.
Non-exclusive franchise tag: The salary implications are the same as the exclusive label, but in this case, other teams can attempt to pry the tagged player away. If they do agree on a contract with the player, two things can happen: 1, The original team can match the terms and take on the new contract themselves, or 2, If they decline, the new team must send two first-round picks as compensation. This tag is most commonly used.
Transition tag: The player receives the average salary of the top-10 highest-paid players at his position for one year. Here, the player can negotiate with other teams to find a long-term contract. The original team has the option to match the offer, but if they do not, no compensation is given.
Each team can only use one tag each year.
Last year, DeMarcus Lawrence at Dallas had little hesitation in penning his contract under the 2018 terms ($17m) and he is the biggest name likely to be slapped with a franchise tag again this season, costing the Cowboys over $20m. Considering he is 26 years old, has 25 sacks in the last two seasons and is a franchise cornerstone, don't be surprised if a long-term deal is agreed.
Knowing how crucial pass rushers are in this league, both Seattle's Frank Clark and Kansas City's Dee Ford are expected to stay with their teams - whether that's with a tag or a new deal. At 27 and 25 years old respectively, they would likely command huge contracts on the open market.
Staying on defense, there's a very slim chance Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jarrett becomes a free agent, and both parties will certainly look to shake hands on a lengthy contract for the underrated 25-year-old.
Two of the more interesting decisions are for Houston's Jadeveon Clowney and Trey Flowers of the Patriots. Clowney - the number one overall pick in 2014 - will be seeking big money. But are the Texans willing to pay up? He hasn't performed like an elite star, but he's been solid. And it's a similar situation with Flowers - how much is he worth to the Patriots, who don't usually choose to spend big?
Then who is out the door? Of potential 'tag-ees', Le'Veon Bell will finally find a new team after sitting out last year. General manager Kevin Colbert confirmed Pittsburgh won't be using any type of tag on him. And there may be a surprise in New York, as Giants safety Landon Collins cleaned out his locker and reportedly does not want to play under the tag. With no conversations going on between him and the team, could we see a similar situation to Bell last year? Or a trade? Keep an eye on the 25-year-old, three-time Pro Bowler.
On offense the big name is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, Super Bowl LII MVP. After two years of high-level performances in relief of starter Carson Wentz, Foles looks set to have the chance to have a gig of his own. Philadelphia quashed the rumours of a 'tag-and-trade' when Howie Roseman confirmed the QB will be allowed to leave.
For updates on the tags, Combine, free agency and the Draft, be sure to follow along at skysports.com/nfl and on Twitter @SkySportsNFL.
