NFL Tag Deadline Day: Key Decisions, Big Contracts, and Free Agency Implications

This year’s NFL franchise tag deadline has been one of the quietest in recent memory, largely due to a weaker free agency class compared to previous years. The 2024 class featured stars like Chris Jones, Kirk Cousins, Josh Allen, Brian Burns, Nnamamdi Madubuike, Jaylon Johnson, Antoine Winfield, Christian Wilkins, L’Jarius Sneed, Michael Pittman Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Mike Evans. While many of them did not reach free agency, they were still part of a highly anticipated class.

In contrast, this year’s free agency class includes Tee Higgins, who was also part of last year’s group, Trey Smith, Jevon Holland, Chris Godwin, Sam Darnold, Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper, D.J. Reed, Josh Sweat, and Stefon Diggs. This class lacks the same star power and features older players, some coming off injuries, such as Diggs and Godwin. Because of this, top market contracts are expected to be rarer, which has also led to fewer franchise tags.

Last year, nine players received the franchise tag, while this year, only two—Tee Higgins and Trey Smith- were tagged. The timing of these decisions was particularly telling, as both tags were placed early in the process. This suggests that the Bengals and Chiefs were not close to securing long-term deals for these players before today’s deadline.

For the Bengals, keeping Higgins, along with Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, raises questions about how much they are willing to invest in their passing game while other areas of the team need attention. Some may argue that the Eagles successfully pay two wide receivers top-tier money, but Philadelphia has also excelled in drafting and development. If Cincinnati wants to sustain success, they must draft and develop talent at a high level.

For the Chiefs, protecting Patrick Mahomes remains a priority, as was evident in their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. While Trey Smith isn’t an elite pass protector, he is a talented, young offensive lineman who was set to receive a major payday. Teams like the Bears were reportedly prepared to make him one of the highest paid guards in the NFL, but Kansas City’s decision to tag him ensures he stays put, at least for now.

Bears Acquire Jonah Williams

After missing out on Trey Smith, the Bears made a move to acquire offensive guard Jonah Jackson, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, under whom he previously played in Detroit. Chicago hopes that Jackson’s familiarity with Johnson’s system will help him return to his Pro Bowl form while easing the offensive transition.

Cowboys Extend Osa Odighizuwa

Rather than using the franchise tag, the Cowboys locked up defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa with a four-year, $80 million extension, making him the 15th highest paid interior defensive lineman in the league. The deal benefits both sides, allowing Dallas to retain a rising star without overpaying. According to ESPN, Odighizuwa ranks second among defensive tackles in quarterback hits. While not the best run defender, he is an ascending pass rusher entering his prime.
Dallas also freed up $20 million in cap space by restructuring CeeDee Lamb’s contract. Additionally, they re-signed special teams ace C.J. Goodwin to a one-year deal and plan to place a second-round tender on kick return specialist KaVontae Turpin. These moves suggest the Cowboys are taking a more proactive approach compared to last offseason.

Jets Release Davante Adams

Star wide receiver Davante Adams was released by the Jets, a widely expected move after New York’s disappointing season with Aaron Rodgers. Adams had a slight down year, failing to produce at the Pro Bowl level fans are accustomed to. According to Adam Schefter, the move saves the Jets $29.9 million. With the team planning to move on from Rodgers and looking to clear cap space, parting ways with Adams made sense. Despite his age, Adams will still be highly sought after in free agency. Teams in need of a reliable receiving threat—including the Bills, Cowboys, Chargers, Rams, Ravens, Chiefs, the Packers (his former team), and any team that acquires Rodgers—could use his services.

Eagles Reward Saquon Barkley

The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles signed superstar running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract, making him the highest paid running back in NFL history. This deal rewards Barkley for his Offensive Player of the Year performance and postseason dominance while also giving a boost to the running back market ahead of free agency.

Vikings Weigh Future at Quarterback as Darnold Hits Free Agency

Quarterback Sam Darnold was not given the franchise tag, though not due to a new contract. Following a strong 2024 season, Darnold is now considered the top quarterback on the free agent market. The Vikings must decide whether to pay him what the market dictates or move forward with J.J. McCarthy, last year’s first-round draft pick.

While Darnold played well for much of the season, his performance dipped against playoff-caliber teams down the stretch. He is expected to command close to (or more than) $40 million per year. Minnesota must determine whether he is worth that price, given that he is widely viewed as a bridge quarterback rather than a long-term solution. However, the two sides remain in discussions, working toward a deal that makes sense for both parties.

Packers Lock in Brandon McManus

The Packers solidified their kicking situation by signing veteran kicker Brandon McManus to a three-year, $15 million deal. Green Bay brought in McManus midseason after rookie kicker Brayden Narveson struggled, missing an NFL high five field goals in six weeks. McManus provided an immediate upgrade, missing just one kick for the remainder of the season. The Packers now have stability at the position heading into 2025.

Looking Ahead to Free Agency

Though this year’s tag deadline was relatively quiet, today’s moves provide key insights into how teams may approach free agency. With several notable names still available, the coming weeks will determine whether teams choose to invest heavily in veterans or rely on the draft to fill key roster gaps.