The NFL franchise tag allows a team to keep a key player from hitting unrestricted free agency.
Teams do this by offering a one-year, fully guaranteed contract. Each team can use the tag once per offseason during a set window, usually from mid-February to early March.
This year's window: Feb. 17 (22nd day preceding the new league year) to 4 p.m. ET on March 3 (eighth day preceding the new league year).
There are three types of tags teams can apply. The non-exclusive franchise tag is the most common option.
Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag: Allows the player to negotiate with other teams. The current team can match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks if they do not.
Exclusive Franchise Tag: Prevents the player from negotiating with other teams. It carries a higher cost and is usually used on elite players, often quarterbacks.
Transition Tag: Lets the player seek offers from other teams. The original team can match, but receives no draft compensation if it does not.
A tagged player’s salary depends on position and past earnings. The amount is the higher of the average of top salaries (top five for non-exclusive tag, top 10 for transition tag) at that position or 120 percent of the player’s prior salary. Once the player signs the tender, the deal becomes fully guaranteed for the season.
Dallas Cowboys and George Pickens Report
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to use a franchise tag, most likely the non-exclusive tag, on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens. The projected cost of the tag is around $28 million.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the tag would act as a bridge toward a long-term deal. The goal is to keep Pickens in Dallas beyond next season.
"I'm talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him," Jones said, via NFL.com. "He's better. ... I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time."
Pickens delivered a breakout year as Dallas’ top target. He finished with over 1,400 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, ranking among league leaders. He became quarterback Dak Prescott’s most trusted option in key moments.
Prescott called retaining Pickens vital to the offense.
"I think it must be done," Prescott said. "We've got to find a way to keep him here."
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Despite strong offensive numbers, Dallas struggled overall this season. The team finished 7-9-1 and fell short due to defensive shortcomings. Still, locking in Pickens remains a top priority as the Cowboys shape their future.