With the 2025 season officially over, the NFL offseason is underway — and that means the franchise tag window is about to take center stage.
Every year, teams use the franchise tag to prevent elite players from hitting free agency. Sometimes it leads to long-term deals. Other times, it creates contract drama that dominates headlines all spring.
So who are the top NFL franchise tag candidates for 2026?
Here’s the full list of players to watch, projected tag values, and predictions for what each team might do.
What Is the NFL Franchise Tag?
The franchise tag allows teams to retain one pending free agent by offering a one-year contract based on the top salaries at their position.
There are two main types:
- Exclusive Tag – Player cannot negotiate with other teams.
- Non-Exclusive Tag – Player can negotiate elsewhere, but the original team can match or receive draft compensation.
Projected 2026 tag values (estimated):
- Quarterback: ~$47 million
- Wide Receiver: ~$24–25 million
- Edge Rusher: ~$22–23 million
- Tight End: ~$15–16 million
- Running Back: ~$14 million
- Offensive Line (combined): ~$26 million
Now, let’s break down the most likely candidates.
Top NFL Franchise Tag Candidates for 2026
George Pickens – WR, Dallas Cowboys
George Pickens
Dallas Cowboys
Why he’s a candidate:
Acquired in a trade last offseason, Pickens exploded for over 1,400 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He proved he can operate as a true WR1, especially when CeeDee Lamb missed time.
Projected Tag Value: ~$24–25 million
Prediction: Likely tagged.
Dallas has historically used the franchise tag aggressively. Given Pickens’ production and age, the Cowboys are unlikely to let him hit the open market. Expect negotiations to continue after the tag is applied.
Daniel Jones – QB, Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones
Indianapolis Colts
Why he’s a candidate:
Jones revitalized his career in Indianapolis before suffering a torn Achilles late in the season. The Colts believe in him long term.
Projected Tag Value: ~$47 million
Prediction: Extension instead of tag.
The quarterback tag number is massive. A long-term deal in the $35M per year range makes more financial sense than a fully guaranteed $47M cap hit.
Kyle Pitts – TE, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts
Atlanta Falcons
Why he’s a candidate:
After years of inconsistency, Pitts finally delivered elite production late in the season and reminded everyone why he was a top-four draft pick.
Projected Tag Value: ~$15–16 million
Prediction: 50/50.
Atlanta could view the tag as a bargain compared to wide receiver salaries. However, a multi-year deal would provide cap flexibility.
Trey Hendrickson – EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals
Why he’s a candidate:
Despite injury issues, Hendrickson remains the Bengals’ most disruptive defensive player.
Projected Tag Value: ~$22–23 million
Prediction: Uncertain.
Cincinnati wants to invest heavily in defense, but the tag number may be too steep. An extension is possible, but he could also test free agency.
Kenneth Walker – RB, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III
Seattle Seahawks
Why he’s a candidate:
Walker elevated his profile with a dominant postseason and Super Bowl MVP performance.
Projected Tag Value: ~$14 million
Prediction: Unlikely tag, likely extension.
Seattle has cap space but tagging a running back at $14M is expensive. Expect negotiations toward a 3–4 year deal closer to $12–13M annually.
Tyler Linderbaum – C, Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Linderbaum
Baltimore Ravens
Why he’s a candidate:
A two-time Pro Bowler and one of the best centers in football.
Projected Tag Value (Offensive Line Combined): ~$26 million
Prediction: No tag, likely free agent or extension.
Because the franchise tag lumps all offensive linemen together, the number is too high for a center. Baltimore may try to extend him, but he could hit free agency and reset the center market.
Surprise Franchise Tag Candidates
Every year, one unexpected name gets tagged. Possible surprise candidates:
- Breece Hall (RB, Jets)
- A breakout pass rusher on a contending team
- A high-end cornerback nearing free agency
Teams Most Likely to Use the Franchise Tag in 2026
Historically aggressive tag teams include:
- Dallas Cowboys
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
Teams with cap flexibility may prefer extensions instead of one-year tags.
Will We See More Franchise Tags in 2026?
In recent years:
- Some seasons saw 10+ tags
- Last season only two players were tagged
The expectation for 2026 is moderate usage — likely more than last year, but not a massive spike.
Quarterback tag costs make it less practical, while wide receivers and edge rushers remain prime candidates.
Final Predictions: Most Likely to Be Tagged
- George Pickens – Most likely
- Kyle Pitts – Strong possibility
- Trey Hendrickson – Depends on negotiations
- Daniel Jones – Extension over tag
- Kenneth Walker – Extension over tag
- Tyler Linderbaum – Tag unlikely due to OL pricing rules
When Is the 2026 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline?
The tag window opens in late February and closes in early March, just before free agency begins.
Expect major headlines during NFL Combine week, when front offices and agents finalize plans.