Recapping all the moves from NFL’s franchise tag deadline

NFL teams gave a version of the franchise tag to 10 different players before Tuesday’s deadline.

The tag comes in three forms—exclusive, non-exclusive and transition—and is used by teams to either keep a free agent off the market or control if the player is allowed to sign elsewhere. The one-year tender is valued using the average of the top players at the respective positions.

Here’s a look back at all the moves made at the franchise tag deadline:

Exclusive Franchise Tag

This franchise tag provides exclusive negotiating rights with the player. 

– LB Von Miller, Denver Broncos

The Super Bowl MVP, Miller became the first non-quarterback to receive the exclusive tag since 2007. He is expected to sign the NFL’s most lucrative contract for a defensive player at some point before July.

Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag

This franchise tag allows player to negotiate with other teams. However, the team has the right to match any offer, or receive compensation of two first-round picks. 

– QB Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

– CB Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers

– WR Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears

– CB Trumaine Johnson, Los Angeles Rams

– DL Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets

– OT Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills

– S Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs

– K Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

All players tagged are being retained with the hopes of getting a multiyear deal done before the July deadline. The most difficult negotiations are likely Cousins, a quarterback who will make almost $20 million on the tag; and Norman, who may want to become the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. The Jets may entertain the idea of trading Wilkerson, who led the team with 12 sacks last season. Jeffery, Johnson, Glenn, and Berry are building-block players, while Tucker is one of the best kickers in the NFL.

Transition Tag

This franchise tag guarantees the team the right to match any offer received by the player. There is no compensation if team allows player to sign elsewhere. 

– DE Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins

A year ago, the Dolphins gave tight end Charles Clay the transition tag and promptly lost him to the Buffalo Bills. Unless Miami is prepared to match a mega deal, Vernon is likely to depart the Dolphins once free agency opens.

No Franchise Tag

– QB Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles

– RB Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

– DL Malik Jackson, Denver Broncos

– S George Iloka, Cincinnati Bengals

– RB Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins

– CB Janoris Jenkins, Los Angeles Rams 

– QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets

– K Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

Bradford signed a two-year deal with the Eagles, while Crosby agreed to a four-year contract to stay in Green Bay.  The rest of the players will likely enter free agency, with many representing the best of the available players. Also, the Buffalo Bills released defensive end Mario Williams on Tuesday.