As the NFL free agency landscape begins to take shape, several significant player developments emerged right before the franchise tag deadline on Tuesday. The Dallas Cowboys have secured their defensive line by signing tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings chose not to place a franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold, allowing him to explore other opportunities when the free agency period opens next week.
This year saw only two players receive the franchise tag for 2025, marking a decrease in such designations compared to the previous years. Cincinnati’s receiver Tee Higgins received his tag on Monday, while Kansas City guard Trey Smith was tagged last week. This contrasts sharply with prior seasons, where an average of more than nine players per year were tagged in the last five seasons. The last time the league saw only two players tagged was in 1994.
Numerous high-profile players are now set to join the free-agent market on March 12, given they did not receive the franchise tag. These include receiver Chris Godwin from Tampa Bay, Miami’s safety Jevon Holland, Philadelphia’s defensive trio of Milton Williams, Zack Baun, and Josh Sweat, as well as Baltimore’s left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
In an impressive move, the Cowboys ensured Odighizuwa remains part of their setup by agreeing to a four-year contract worth $80 million, with $58 million guaranteed. Sam Leaf Ireifej, Odighizuwa’s agent, confirmed this to the press. The deal also encompasses a $20 million signing bonus. Comparatively, the value of a franchise tag for Odighizuwa would have been $25.1 million for 2025. Odighizuwa, a 2021 third-round pick, enjoyed his most successful season yet with 4 1/2 sacks, 47 tackles, and 23 quarterback hits.
Turning attention to Minnesota, Darnold’s journey with the Vikings demonstrated a significant uptick, highlighted by his 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 102.5 passer rating for the season. Darnold, originally drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, experienced challenging seasons there and later with the Carolina Panthers. After warming the bench in San Francisco for 2023, Darnold seized the starter role this past season before underwhelming performances in his final two games. These results contributed to Minnesota’s decision not to invest in a $40.2 million franchise tag for Darnold, instead opting to rely on J.J. McCarthy as their future QB. McCarthy, a top draft pick last season, missed his rookie year due to a knee injury but is set to lead the charge under coach Kevin O’Connell with standout receiver Justin Jefferson at his side.
Tee Higgins, tagged for a second consecutive year, had a significant 2024 season, tying for sixth place in the league with 10 touchdown receptions and boasting 73 receptions for 911 yards. On the other hand, Trey Smith, a reliable player in Kansas City who missed only one game in four seasons, received a franchise tag valued at $23.402 million. This move follows strategic decisions to strengthen the offensive line after facing struggles in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia. It aims to bolster protection for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Teams holding franchise-tagged players have a deadline until July 15 to negotiate long-term contracts. Failure to finalize deals by then will mean these players compete under their current tag conditions throughout the 2025 season.
