Predicting Players Who Will Get Franchise Tag in the 2025 NFL Offseason
On Tuesday, NFL teams can apply the franchise tag or transition tag to keep players under contract for at least another year, though in some cases, these designations are placeholder agreements that precede long-term deals.
Last offseason, seven of the eight players designated for a tag signed multiyear contracts with their current teams or new clubs after a tag-and-trade transaction. Tee Higgins was the only exception, and he may find himself in a similar situation this offseason.
Top impending free agents come up in conversations regarding the costly one-year franchise tag.
So, let’s focus on the premier players with expiring contracts.
Who’s most likely to get tagged by their respective teams? Which players will sign extensions, and who will be allowed to test the free-agent market?
Candidates Who Will Get an Extension
1 of 5
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
While some believe soon-to-be restricted free agent running back Jaylen Warren's versatility makes him a more valuable asset than Harris, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette isn't ruling out the latter's return.
"The Steelers would not use the franchise tag on Harris because the price tag to do so ($13.6 million projected) would be too high," Dulac wrote.
"But, if he is re-signed, it is expected to be a two- or three-year deal that would average between $7 million and $10 million annually. Of course, it is up to Harris if he is willing to accept an offer, though it might be prudent."
Spotrac projects Harris' market value to be $9.2 million, which checks out with Dulac's projection of what the Steelers may offer him. If Harris isn't able to cash in on four consecutive terms with 1,033-plus rushing yards, he will likely re-sign with the Steelers.
Talanoa Hufanga, S, San Francisco 49ers
When healthy, Hufanga plays at a Pro Bowl/All-Pro level. He proved that in 2022, registering 97 tackles, five for loss, nine pass breakups, four interceptions and two sacks.
However, Hufanga has missed 17 games over the previous two seasons. Because of his recent injury history, teams may be hesitant to sign him to a multiyear contract, which could increase the probability of San Francisco re-signing him on a prove-it deal.
The 49ers know what Hufanga can do on the field, so they may give him another year to play through an entire season as one of their top defenders.
Ryan Kelly, C, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have questions about quarterback Anthony Richardson. He's headed into a crucial third term after the team benched him for two games last season. In order to aid his development, the Colts should maintain continuity along the offensive line.
Kelly is a four-time Pro Bowler, mostly recently earning that accolade in 2023. Last season, he only allowed one sack while on the field for 601 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
Koonce made significant strides in the second half of the 2023 campaign, logging six sacks in the last four weeks of that term. He suffered a season-ending knee injury before Week 1 of the 2024 campaign, which may have prevented a full-scale breakout year.
Nonetheless, Spotrac projects Koonce's market value to be $20 million annually. While that may be a steep price for the Raiders with Maxx Crosby also in line for a new deal, the team may be able to re-sign the 26-year-old pass-rusher for a lesser price following his inactive season.
Josh Sweat, EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Sweat changed agents, hiring Drew Rosenhaus ahead of his free-agent bid. He logged eight sacks and nine tackles for loss this past season and registered 2.5 sacks in the Eagles' dominant Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles may have whiffed on signing Bryce Huff, whom the team listed as inactive for Super Bowl LIX, so they may prioritize re-signing Sweat to maintain a strong pass rush. Spotrac projects his market value to be $18.8 million, which is close to what Philadelphia has in cap space ($18.1 million).
Candidates Who Will Move On
2 of 5
Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Baun signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract last offseason. After struggling to break into the starting rotation with the New Orleans Saints between 2020 and 2023, he registered 151 tackles, 11 for loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception while allowing an 80.5 passer rating in coverage last season.
Coming off an All-Pro campaign, Baun may have priced himself out of Philadelphia. The team will likely prioritize contract negotiations with Josh Sweat and Milton Williams because they have a more significant impact on the pass rush.
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold helped lead the 13-4 Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs in his best season, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 66.2 percent completion rate.
Yet Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters that Darnold has "earned the right to be a free agent."
Based on O'Connell's comment, the Vikings may believe they can get a high percentage of Darnold's production out of rookie J.J. McCarthy for a fraction of the cost.
McCarthy underwent two knee surgeries after he tore his meniscus in August.
However, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Vikings expect McCarthy to be ready for organized team activities in May.
Minnesota seems confident in McCarthy if Darnold gets a massive contract elsewhere.
Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers franchise-tagged Godwin in consecutive offseasons. CBS Sports' Joel Corry believes it would be "too cost prohibitive" to tag him for a third consecutive year.
"...By CBA rule, it will be the greater of 144% of his $27.534 million 2024 salary ($39,648,960) or the largest number at any position, which is quarterback."
Despite coming off an injury-riddled term, missing 10 games because of a dislocated ankle, Godwin, 28, should have plenty of suitors willing to pry him away from the Buccaneers, who can focus on rookie third-round wideout Jalen McMillan's development.
Jevon Holland, S, Miami Dolphins
Safeties are low on the salary scale relative to the other defensive positions. Holland had a solid 2024 campaign, but his production doesn't warrant using the franchise tag. He recorded 62 tackles, two for loss, one sack and four pass breakups while allowing an 89 passer rating.
At 24, Holland still has upside as a versatile safety, but he may be able to cash in on the open market with a team that can get a little more out of his skill set.
Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Two plugged-in NFL insiders believe that Wilson will sign with a new team in the offseason.
While on NBC's Fantasy Football Happy Hour, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer dismissed the idea of Wilson signing with the Las Vegas Raiders or re-signing with the Steelers.
“That ain’t gonna happen,” Glazer said about Wilson signing with the Raiders. "That one is over. I don’t think that’s gonna happen, either (re-sign with the Steelers). I think you’ll see a new start for Russell somewhere.”
The Athletic's Dianna Russini shared what she heard about the Steelers' quarterback plan while on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“Those conversations started to happen at the end of the season," Russini said. "They decided, ‘Alright, we’re gonna probably most likely stick with Justin Fields here moving forward.”
In 2024, Wilson threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 63.7 percent completion rate in 11 starts. Spotrac projects his market value to be $38.7 million.
While that value seems inflated for a 36-year-old quarterback who's played for three teams over the last four years, a quarterback-needy squad may be willing to pay him at a comparable rate.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
3 of 5
Last offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals franchise-tagged Tee Higgins at the cost of $21.8 million. He put together a solid campaign, hauling in 73 passes for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns.
Quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters he's willing to restructure his contract to help the Bengals re-sign core players.
Burrow also told NFL Network's Maurice Jones-Drew the team will do what it takes to retain his top playmakers.
"...we're confident that we're going to be able to do what it takes. We all want to stay together, so we want to make it work."
Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who held out last offseason, will be the team's top priority after winning the receiving triple crown for the 2024 season. He'll command a massive extension that exceeds Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million contract.
Because of Chase's market value, Higgins will have to be patient if he wants to remain in Cincinnati. As ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests, the Bengals could use a tag-and-trade maneuver.
"Cincinnati could work to re-sign Higgins before he becomes a free agent or put a $26 million franchise tag on him—lower than what he probably would receive on the open market. The team also could opt to tag and trade Higgins, but that would require carrying the cap space past the new league year."
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told reporters that the team needs to find the "right number" for Higgins' contract parameters. The two sides may take months to agree on a sweet spot.
If Cincinnati tags Higgins again, the team would have until July to work out a long-term deal with him.
Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs
4 of 5
Trey Smith had a rough outing in Super Bowl LIX, but his lowlight of the 2024 campaign doesn't erase a Pro Bowl year.
During the regular season, Smith didn't allow a sack while on the field for 1,115 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He's one of the league's best pass-blocking guards and should be atop the Kansas City Chiefs' list of players to re-sign this offseason.
However, the Chiefs will have to make key decisions on safety Justin Reid and linebacker Nick Bolton, along with several role players on both sides of the ball. Kansas City may add playmakers at the offensive skill positions as well.
In the meantime, the Chiefs can use the franchise tag on Smith as a placeholder that precedes a new deal for the 25-year-old standout guard.
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens
5 of 5
Between 2020 and 2023, Stanley missed 36 outings, but he played in all 17 games and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Turning 31 in March, Stanley may have several optimal years ahead of him, but the Ravens should be wary of his spotty availability.
Still, the Ravens may prefer to keep Roger Rosengarten on the right side of the line. If they let Stanley walk, it would create a major void on quarterback Lamar Jackson's blind side.
Baltimore only has $6 million in cap space, but teams don't have to be cap-compliant until the new league year, which starts March 12. The front office can also restructure a few contracts to tag Stanley and remain under the salary cap threshold.
The Ravens should work on retaining Stanley, but they don't need to be hasty about agreeing on a long-term pact with a player with who has a recent extensive injury history.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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