The window for teams to franchise tag players is almost open and will remain open for two weeks ahead of the start of free agency. But how much is the franchise tag worth in 2025?
The value of a franchise tag is almost entirely dependent on the position of the player receiving the tag. While a franchise tag can be worth 120% of a player’s previous salary, it is more often worth some kind of average of the salaries of the top-paid players at their position.
There are three kinds of franchise tags, all with slightly different ways of calculating value.
Here’s an explanation of the three kinds of franchise tags, how much each one is worth and a full breakdown of franchise tag value by position in 2025:
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NFL franchise tags, explained
Two types of franchise tags are dependent on a given player’s position.
The non-exclusive tag – which is the most common type of franchise tag – allows players and their agents to negotiate with other teams. The team that placed the tag on the player can match any offer from another team or receive two first-round picks as compensation if the player departs.
It is worth either the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position over the last five years or 120% of the player’s last salary (whichever is greater).
The transition tag is the other kind of franchise tag that is dependent on a player’s position. Like the non-exclusive tag, it allows a player and his agent to negotiate with other teams and gives the original team the right to match any offer. However, the team would receive no compensation if the player departed.
A transition tag is worth the average of the top 10 salaries at the player’s position in the current year.
There is a third type of tag – the exclusive franchise tag – which is worth either the top five salaries at the player’s position in the current year or 120% of his previous salary (whichever is greater). The value of the ‘top five salaries at the player’s position in the current year’ is not determined until restricted free agency ends.
NFL franchise tag value by position
Here’s how much the non-exclusive tag and transition tag is worth for each position:
Quarterback:
Non-exclusive: $41,325,000
Transition: $35,267,000
Running back:
Non-exclusive: $11,951,000
Transition: $9,765,000
Wide receiver:
Non-exclusive: $25,693,000
Transition: $22,523,000
Tight end:
Non-exclusive: $14,241,000
Transition: $12,069,000
Offensive line:
Non-exclusive: $25,156,000
Transition: $22,745,000
Defensive end:
Non-exclusive: $24,727,000
Transition: $20,769,000
Defensive tackle:
Non-exclusive: $23,468,000
Transition: $18,934,000
Linebacker:
Non-exclusive: $27,050,000
Transition: $22,612,000
Cornerback:
Non-exclusive: $20,357,000
Transition: $17,198,000
Safety:
Non-exclusive: $19,626,000
Transition: $15,598,000
Kicker/punter:
Non-exclusive: $6,459,000
Transition: $5,830,000
