NFL Player Movement Begins Tomorrow as Franchise Tag Window Opens

The NFL offseason machinery officially kicks into high gear tomorrow, February 17, as teams begin the franchise tag window, marking the first major milestone in what promises to be an eventful period of player movement.

With the Super Bowl now concluded, all 32 NFL franchises are preparing to make critical decisions about their rosters for the 2026 season. The franchise tag window represents the first opportunity for teams to retain their most valuable players who are set to become unrestricted free agents.

General managers across the league have spent recent weeks evaluating their salary cap situations and identifying which players warrant the significant financial commitment that comes with franchise tag designation. The tag ensures teams can keep a player for one additional season while negotiations for a long-term contract continue.

Several high-profile players are expected to be candidates for the franchise tag this year, including star quarterbacks, elite pass rushers, and shutdown corners. The decisions made over the next few weeks will shape the landscape of free agency and potentially impact the upcoming NFL Draft strategy for multiple organizations.

Teams must also consider the different types of franchise tags available: the exclusive franchise tag, which prevents any negotiation with other teams, and the non-exclusive tag, which allows other teams to make offers that the original team can match.

The franchise tag period runs until March 2, giving teams a window to secure their most important pending free agents. Following this deadline, the legal tampering period begins on March 14, leading up to the official start of free agency on March 16.

Expect significant movement and surprising decisions as teams balance their financial constraints with the need to retain talent and remain competitive in an increasingly challenging league landscape.