The NFL's franchise tag deadline for 2025 is set for March 4, 4 p.m. ET, giving teams a critical opportunity to secure their upcoming unrestricted free agents. Early decisions have been made by teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, who plan to tag Osa Odighizuwa and Trey Smith, respectively, unless long-term contracts are finalized. The franchise tag represents a one-year contract that ensures a player receives a top salary reflective of their position, preventing them from entering unrestricted free agency. This mechanism is crucial during the offseason as teams navigate contract negotiations.

There are three types of tags: the exclusive franchise tag, the non-exclusive franchise tag, and the transition tag, each with distinct implications for both teams and players. For instance, the exclusive tag guarantees a player a salary equivalent to the average of the top-five salaries for their position, while the non-exclusive tag allows other teams to negotiate with the player, albeit with the original team retaining matching rights. Additionally, tagged players can still pursue long-term contracts until July 15, after which they must sign the tag to play in the upcoming season.