The franchise tag deadline has come and gone with only two players getting tagged in 2025. This is a significantly lower amount than last season, as nine players earned the franchise and transition tag designation.

With the rising salary cap, six players reached extensions, two players were traded and signed extensions with new teams, and one played the whole year on the tag. This ended up being the fewest players tagged at the franchise tag deadline since the 1994 season.

Winners and Losers

Winner: Tee Higgins
The Bengals couldn’t reach a long-term deal with Higgins, and he was tagged again for the second consecutive year. His salary goes up from $21.8 million to $26.2 million for 2025, ranking among the top-10 wideouts in the game.

Loser: Cincinnati Bengals
Another year without a long-term deal for Higgins indicates a need for better contract management.

Winner: Trey Smith
The Chiefs tagged Smith, making him the highest-paid guard in football with a salary increase from $3.4 million to $23.4 million this season.

Loser: New England Patriots
Missed their chance to acquire a top-tier receiver after Higgins was tagged, despite having significant cap space.

Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Signed Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million deal, a shift from their usual contract strategy.

Winner: Sam Darnold
Without the franchise tag, Darnold becomes the top quarterback available in free agency, with strong potential earnings ahead.