NFL franchise tag tracker 2026: Latest news on George Pickens, Kyle Pitts, others who could receive it

NFL franchise tag tracker 2026: Latest news on George Pickens, Kyle Pitts, others who could receive it originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL is a business, and players and fans alike are reminded of that every offseason. 

With the Super Bowl only being in the rearview for a month, the new league year is fast approaching, which means teams are going to have to make roster decisions. Trades and free agency are the most popular topics to talk about, but the often forgotten option every year, because it isn't used by every team, is the tag. 

NFL teams have the option to franchise or transition tag one player every season. The non-exclusive franchise tag gives the player a one-year deal worth the average of the top-five salaries at his position. If another team wants to sign a player who has been franchise tagged, they will have to give two first-round draft picks to the original team, making it a rare occurrence. 

The transition tag is also a one-year deal, but it is cheaper and takes the average of the top-10 salaries at a position, and it doesn't provide any compensation if the player decides to sign elsewhere. Tags prevent players from leaving in free agency, but at a high cost. 

Here are the latest updates around the NFL for players who could be tagged in the 2026 NFL offseason. 

MORE: Vinnie Iyer ranks the top 100 free agents in the 2026 offseason

NFL franchise tag tracker

Daniel Jones

One of the biggest remaining questions of the franchise tag deadline is whether or not the Colts will use a tag on their free-agent QB1, Daniel Jones, or wide receiver Alec Pierce, who would both become one of the top offensive players on the open market.

The Athletic's James Boyd reported on Mar. 2 that the Colts have discussed tagging Pierce, which would prevent him from being offered a huge contract as arguably the best wide receiver in free agency. However, Indianapolis is also giving "real consideration" to putting the transition tag on Jones, as they have not yet reached an extension agreement with the quarterback.

While the Colts can only use a tag on one of those players, the transition tag would mean that Jones could still negotiate with other teams in free agency, then the Colts would be able to match any offer. Unlike the non-exclusive franchise tag, if Jones then agreed to an offer and Indianapolis declined to match it, there would be no compensatory draft picks for his departure.

"Essentially, Indianapolis’ tag decision will likely come down to which side blinks first: Jones or the team," Boyd wrote. 

George Pickens

Pickens has been the biggest name to watch when it comes to getting tagged, and on Feb. 27, the Cowboys officially placed the franchise tag on their star wide receiver, coming off a huge season after they acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Cowboys COO Stephen Jones previously said about tagging Pickens, "Of course, learning toward the franchise tag … We want Pickens here. We think the world of him. Want him here. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that's a plus."

Franchise tagging Pickens will cost Dallas $27,298, but it now gives them time to work out a long-term deal or look for a trade partner. 

Pickens joined Kyle Pitts as top offensive players to receive the franchise tag instead of hitting free agency.

Notably, the non-exclusive franchise tag was used on Pickens, per Todd Archer, meaning other teams will be allowed to talk to him in free agency. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Cowboys have five days to match it. If they decide not to, Dallas would be entitled to draft compensation equivalent to two first-round picks.

Breece Hall

Jets GM Darren Moughey said during a media appearance during the NFL Combine that the Jets will be using one of the tags on Hall if they can't reach a long-term extension by March 3. 

#Jets GM Darren Moughey on RB Breece Hall: “The tags are an option.” Asked again after that, says they’ll tag him if they can’t reach a long-term deal by March 3. pic.twitter.com/xhULhbue1E

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 24, 2026

With the deadline approaching, on March 2, ESPN's Rich Cimini reported that the Jets will "probably" use the transition tag on Hall, rather than the franchise tag, if they cannot reach a deal with the running back. Cimini also said he would expect any extension to fall around a $13 million AAV.

Hours before the deadline, SNY's Connor Hughes reported the Jets were still trying to work out a new deal with Hall but optimism was limited, making a tag the more likely option. Hughes added, however, that the franchise tag was more likely than the transition tag.

Kyle Pitts

A day after it was reported that the Atlanta Falcons planned to tag tight end Kyle Pitts, it was made official. Pitts is the first player of the 2026 offseason to be tagged. 

The Falcons have now officially placed the franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 24, 2026

NFL franchise tag values 2026

Below is a full list of the estimated non-exclusive franchise tag values for the 2026 offseason, per Over the Cap.

Franchise Tag

Transition Tag