The NFL offseason has officially commenced, with the opening of the franchise tag window on Tuesday. Although the new league year technically starts on March 12, this period allows teams to secure key players who are about to become free agents. The franchise tag provides a one-year fully guaranteed contract worth either the average of the top five salaries at the player's position or 120% of their most recent salary, whichever is higher. This mechanism offers teams leverage in negotiations while providing players with financial security.

Between now and March 4, all 32 NFL teams have the opportunity to apply the franchise tag to one of their potential free agents. During this time, teams can evaluate their roster needs and decide whether to retain valuable players through this unique contractual tool. The tagged players can still explore offers from other teams, but the original team retains the right to match any offer. If the player leaves, the acquiring team must give up two first-round draft picks as compensation. Additionally, transition tags can be applied, allowing players to negotiate with other teams without offering compensation to the original team if they sign elsewhere.

This strategic period sets the stage for significant moves in the NFL. Teams will carefully weigh their options, considering both short-term and long-term goals. The decisions made during this window could shape the landscape of the league for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how each organization navigates these critical choices, anticipating the impact on team dynamics and competitive balance.

As the franchise tag window unfolds, it presents a pivotal moment for both players and teams. The coming days will reveal which players receive tags and how teams plan to address their roster needs. The outcome of these decisions will likely influence the direction of many franchises, setting the tone for the rest of the offseason and beyond.