What is an NFL franchise tag? How does it work? - ESPN

With Super Bowl LIX in the books, it's time for the NFL offseason. On February 18, the NFL's two-week franchise tag window opens. During that period, NFL teams can begin applying the franchise tag to players with expiring contracts. On March 4 at 4 p.m. ET, teams can no longer apply the franchise tag to eligible players.

In last year's window:

Bengals tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins

Chiefs tagged cornerback L'Jarius Sneed

Patriots tagged Kyle Dugger

Buccaneers tagged safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

Bears tagged cornerback Jaylon Johnson

Jaguars tagged linebacker Josh Allen

Ravens tagged defensive tackle Justin Madubuike

Panthers tagged outside linebacker Brian Burns

Here's everything you need to know about franchise tags and how they work.

The franchise tag is a tool that NFL teams can use to keep their best players from leaving in free agency. If a player is tagged, they receive a one-year tender.

There are three types of franchise tags: the non-exclusive tag, exclusive tag and transition tag.

NON-EXCLUSIVE TAG: This tag allows the player to sign an offer sheet with another team. The original team has the right to match the offer or receive two first-round draft picks in compensation if the player leaves. This is the most common type of tag.

EXCLUSIVE TAG: This tag completely binds the player to his team. His agent is prohibited from seeking an offer sheet.

TRANSITION TAG: This tag works like the nonexclusive franchise tag, except it only provides the original team the right to match the other team's offer. If the original team decides not to offer a matching bid, it gets no compensation when the player leaves.

Once a player is tagged, the two sides have until July 15 to sign a long-term contract or, by NFL rule, the