The NFL's franchise tag deadline is fast approaching, set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, with teams finalizing decisions on key players. The Kansas City Chiefs have placed the tag on offensive lineman Trey Smith, while the Cincinnati Bengals have tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins, ensuring he remains in Cincinnati. The Dallas Cowboys are also reportedly prepared to franchise defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term agreement isn't reached.

Understanding the franchise tag is crucial: it allows teams to keep a player who might otherwise enter free agency, binding them to a one-year contract that reflects either the average salaries of the top five players at their position or a fixed percentage increase from the previous year. There are different types of tags, including exclusive and non-exclusive options, each with varying implications for player movement and negotiation.

The New York Giants are facing a pivotal offseason focused on securing a new quarterback, a decision that could shape the future of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Matthew Stafford's return to the Los Angeles Rams has left the Giants exploring other options, including a potential trade with the Tennessee Titans for Miami QB Cam Ward, whom they might select with the first overall pick. The landscape for quarterbacks in the upcoming draft is shifting, with Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Quinn Ewers entering the conversation as potential alternatives.

Among the various strategies, the Giants could consider trading back to capitalize on the value of their picks while also identifying their franchise quarterback. Sanders, with impressive stats from last season, stands out as a candidate, though questions remain about whether he warrants a top-three selection. Free agency also offers intriguing options like Sam Darnold, who has emerged as a star with the Vikings, and Aaron Rodgers, whose consistency might bring stability to the Giants' troubled QB position.

The ongoing NFL Scouting Combine is sparking debates about which head coaches might excel in the bench press, a classic test of strength for prospects. Notably, Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions has garnered significant backing from fellow coaches, including Brian Callahan and Nick Sirianni, who deem him the strongest due to his past as a tight end. However, Sean Payton of the Broncos argued for DeMeco Ryans, the Texans' head coach, citing Campbell's injury potential. Other coaches, like Mike Macdonald and Dave Canales, also entered the discussion, with Macdonald expressing confidence in his own strength and Canales favoring Sean McVay as a 'sleeper' contender.

The 2025 NFL Draft is gearing up, and the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is set to showcase top prospects. Among them, Travis Hunter of Colorado stands out as the top overall prospect on PFF's draft board. His versatility as both a wide receiver and cornerback makes him a coveted player, with teams divided on his best position in the league. Meanwhile, Tennessee's edge rusher, James Pearce Jr., looking to solidify his status as a top-15 pick, possesses elite speed and acceleration, while South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori is rising rapidly up draft boards as a result of his impressive combine workouts. Alabama's Jalen Milroe aims to recover from a lackluster Senior Bowl performance, showcasing his dynamic play and athleticism. Texas receiver Isaiah Bond, known for his blazing speed, could break records with a 4.2-second 40-yard dash.

The Tennessee Titans are keen on adding Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, to their roster. Hunter, who showcased his dual-threat capabilities at Colorado as both a wide receiver and cornerback, may be the ideal pick for the Titans at No. 1 overall. Coach Brian Callahan believes Hunter's unique skill set allows him to contribute on both sides of the ball, making him an asset capable of returning punts as well.

Last season, Hunter registered 1,484 snaps, the highest since 2017, with impressive statistics: 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 16 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded four interceptions. As the draft approaches, the Titans are weighing their options, including potential trades for more picks, but Hunter remains a central figure in their plans.