With the NFL’s franchise tag window officially open, teams now have until March 3 at 4:00 p.m. ET to make one of the most important offseason calls they’ll face: tag a key free agent or risk losing them to the open market. It’s a move that can buy time for long-term negotiations-or serve as a one-year insurance policy on a player too valuable to let walk.
Last year, only two players were tagged-Tee Higgins in Cincinnati and Trey Smith in Kansas City. This time around, a few more names are in the conversation. Let’s break down three players who are strong candidates to get tagged in 2026-and why their teams might be leaning in that direction.
Alec Pierce - Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce’s fourth season in Indianapolis was his most productive yet-and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The former second-round pick out of Cincinnati has quietly turned into one of the league’s most dangerous deep threats, and in 2025, he finally put together the kind of season that demands front-office attention.
Pierce hauled in a career-high 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. That yardage total isn’t just a nice round number-it’s a statement.
He’s not just stretching the field; he’s consistently flipping it. Over the past two seasons, Pierce has carved out a reputation as a vertical weapon who can take the top off a defense and force safeties to think twice.
Now the Colts have a decision to make. Do they let him test free agency, or do they lock him down with the tag and figure out the long-term details later? Given how integral he’s become to their offensive identity, tagging Pierce would be a strong signal that Indianapolis is serious about keeping its young core intact.
George Pickens - Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
When the Cowboys traded for George Pickens last offseason, they were betting big on potential. What they got was production-and plenty of it.
Pickens didn’t just fit into Dallas’ offense; he exploded. With Dak Prescott pulling the strings, Pickens racked up 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns-career highs across the board. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors, proving he’s not just a highlight-reel guy but a full-service WR1.
The Cowboys gave up a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth to get him, and it’s safe to say that investment paid off. Now, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dallas is expected to use the franchise tag to keep Pickens in the fold for at least one more year.
Given his age (24), production, and chemistry with Prescott, tagging Pickens feels like a no-brainer. It gives the Cowboys time to work out a long-term deal while ensuring their top wideout doesn’t hit the market.
Kyle Pitts Sr. - Tight End, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts Sr. entered the league with sky-high expectations as the fourth overall pick in 2021, and after a few uneven seasons, he finally delivered on that promise in 2025.
This past season, Pitts posted career highs in targets (118), receptions (88), and touchdowns (5), finishing just 72 yards shy of another 1,000-yard campaign. At 25, he’s still ascending-and in a league that’s increasingly valuing dynamic tight ends, Pitts showed he can be a matchup nightmare again.
That said, the Falcons have a bit more to weigh here. While 2025 was a breakout, it followed three seasons where Pitts didn’t quite live up to the hype. So the question becomes: was last season the start of something sustainable, or just a flash?
Tagging Pitts gives Atlanta another year to find out. If he repeats or builds on his 2025 performance, the Falcons will be in a much better position to commit to a long-term extension. And if not, they’ve at least bought themselves time without overcommitting.
Final Thoughts
The franchise tag isn’t always the most popular move with players-but for teams, it’s a strategic tool. In the cases of Pierce, Pickens, and Pitts, it offers a way to hold onto high-upside talent while buying time for bigger decisions.
Each of these players brings a unique value to their respective teams-Pierce with his vertical explosiveness, Pickens with his all-around dominance, and Pitts with his rare blend of size and athleticism at tight end. Whether they’re tagged or not, one thing’s clear: these aren’t just names on a roster. They’re difference-makers, and their futures will help shape the 2026 NFL season.