Top NFL Franchise Tag Candidates for 2026

Bassyonni

Published: February 18, 2026 3:59 AM ET

The NFL is entering its 34th year of utilizing the franchise tag, a mechanism established alongside the introduction of full free agency. As teams navigate a rising salary cap—projected to jump from $279.2 million in 2025 to over $301 million—they are increasingly relying on extensions rather than allowing star players to hit the market. In 2025, only two players, Tee Higgins and Trey Smith, received the franchise tag, illustrating the shifting dynamics within free agency.

Top NFL Franchise Tag Candidates for 2026

This year’s landscape includes several notable players who could be tagged to avoid free agency. The deadline for teams to apply franchise or transition tags is on March 3 at 3 PM CT.

1. George Pickens, WR (Cowboys)

Projected tag cost: $28.82 million

The Cowboys have a history of using the franchise tag effectively.
Picked up in a trade with the Steelers in May 2025, Pickens had an explosive season with 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Given his impressive performance, the Cowboys are expected to tag him to avoid losing a key offensive asset.

2. Breece Hall, RB (Jets)

Projected tag cost: $14.54 million

After declining trade offers, the Jets may consider tagging Hall to keep him in New York.
Hall has showcased his potential as a dynamic running back, registering over 1,000 rushing yards.
A transition tag may be an option, though it brings risks if he receives an unmatched offer elsewhere.

3. Trey Hendrickson, DE (Bengals)

Projected tag cost: $34.8 million

Hendrickson’s tag cost is influenced by a significant salary increase.
Despite a recent injury, he remains pivotal for the Bengals’ defensive line, having posted impressive sack numbers in previous seasons.
The team may explore a tag-and-trade scenario if the right opportunity arises.

4. Kyle Pitts, TE (Falcons)

Projected tag cost: $16.32 million

Pitts, the former fourth overall pick, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency.
Despite ups and downs in performance, the Falcons may opt to use the franchise tag for further evaluation.

5. Travis Etienne, RB (Jaguars)

Projected tag cost: $14.54 million

Etienne had a breakout season, contributing significantly to the Jaguars’ rushing attack.
Despite the team’s financial constraints exceeding $13 million over the cap, they may look to extend or tag Etienne.

6. Odafe Oweh, OLB (Chargers)

Projected tag cost: $28.2 million

The Chargers have substantial cap space and may consider tagging Oweh to retain their emerging defensive talent.
While his production warrants attention, the team is also assessing options for a potential extension.

7. Kenneth Walker, RB (Seahawks)

Projected tag cost: $14.54 million

Walker, who proved his capabilities with a standout performance in the Super Bowl, could end up as a top free agent if not tagged.
Given Seattle’s history with running backs, the team may choose to avoid the franchise tag and negotiate a new deal instead.

8. Daniel Jones, QB & Alec Pierce, WR (Colts)

Projected tag costs: $47.32 million and $28.82 million respectively

The Colts are exploring both players as potential tag candidates, with Jones’s injury history complicating matters.
While a tag for Jones may impact the Colts’ free agency strategy, tagging Pierce could be more manageable.

As teams prepare for the March 3 deadline, the implications of the franchise tag on player contracts will be significant. Teams must weigh the benefits of tagging against the financial implications in an evolving salary cap landscape, making the next few weeks critical for player personnel decisions.