NFL Franchise, Transition Tag Central

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The NFL and the NFL Player’s Association (NFLPA) put the new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, which means teams can use either the franchise tag or the transition tag, but not both like the last CBA.

The franchise tag is the one you’re probably more familiar with, but if not, the franchise tag ties the team to the player they place the tag on. The player cannot choose to leave the team, but the player can refuse to sign their franchise tag tender and force the franchise’s hand to trade the player.

For example, the Cowboys placed their franchise tag on Dak Prescott today, so he will be in Dallas next year whether the two sides agree on a long term deal or not.

The transition tag gives franchises the “right of first refusal”. Today, the Arizona Cardinals placed the transition tag on Kenyan Drake, so if a team that “signs” Drake, then the Cardinals can block the signing and keep Drake on the contract details he agreed to with the other team. The way I see it, the transition tag is best for when a isn’t completely sold on a player, but they don’t want to outright lose him to another team.

Here’s what has happened today:

Dallas Cowboys place exclusive franchise tag on QB Dak Prescott; Dallas has until July 15 to work out a long term deal.

Tennessee Titans place franchise tag on RB Derrick Henry.

Cincinnati Bengals place franchise tag on WR AJ Green.

Kansas City Chiefs place franchise tag on DT Chris Jones.

New England Patriots place franchise tag on OT Joe Thuney, meaning Tom Brady officially a free agent and can talk to teams as soon as today.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers place franchise tag on DE Shaq Barrett; he led the NFL in sacks last year (19.5).

LA Chargers place franchise tag on TE Hunter Henry.

Arizona Cardinals place transition tag on RB Kenyan Drake.

NY Giants place franchise tag on DE Leonard Williams.

Jacksonville Jaguars place franchise tag on DE Yannick Ngakoue.

Baltimore Ravens place franchise tag on OLB Matt Judon.