The countdown to the 2026 NFL league year is in full swing. As we approach March 11th, teams are gearing up to meet the salary cap requirements, finalize trades, and dive into the free-agent frenzy.
But before the official kickoff, the groundwork is already being laid. Free agent negotiations commence two days prior, but even before that, the market begins to buzz with activity. A key part of this early action is the use of franchise and transition tags, with the window for these moves running from February 17 through March 3.
Players tagged typically stay put for the next season. The tag ties them to a one-year contract, calculated as an average percentage of the salary cap among top players at their position over the past five years.
The franchise tag considers the top five players, while the transition tag looks at the top ten. These tags offer teams different levels of protection; the non-exclusive franchise tag demands two first-round picks from any team looking to sign the player, while the transition tag allows the original team to match any offer.
Players tagged have until mid-July to negotiate long-term deals. If no agreement is reached, they play on the one-year contract.
As the tagging window narrows, several players have been tagged, with more to follow. The Green Bay Packers aren't expected to tag their free agents, but decisions across the league could ripple through to them. We'll keep an eye on all tag developments to see how they might impact the Packers.
Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts
The Falcons hit Kyle Pitts with the non-exclusive franchise tag on February 24th. Projections suggest the tight end tag will be around $16.3 million, based on the final 2026 salary cap.
This move doesn’t seem to affect the Packers directly, as they're not losing any key tight ends nor are they expected to be big players in that market.
Dallas Cowboys: WR George Pickens
George Pickens received the non-exclusive franchise tag on February 27th, with a projected value near $29 million. Acquired from the Steelers last offseason, Pickens shone in 2025 with career highs in receptions (93), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9), earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.
While Pickens’ tagging was anticipated, it takes the top free agent wide receiver off the market. This could spark a bidding war for remaining top receivers, including Romeo Doubs. If Doubs signs elsewhere, a higher contract could mean a better compensatory draft pick for the Packers.