Franchise Tag
Definition and explanation for NFLPA exam preparation
Definition
A designation teams can use to keep a pending free agent for one year at a salary equal to the average of the top 5 players at the position or 120% of the player's previous salary.
Exam Tip
Understanding Franchise Tag is essential for the NFLPA certification exam. This concept frequently appears in questions about free agency and is often tested alongside related terms like Transition Tag and Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA).
Related Terms
Transition Tag
Similar to the franchise tag but at a lower salary (top 10 average) and without draft pick compensation if another team signs the player.
Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)
A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired, free to sign with any team without restrictions.
Restricted Free Agent (RFA)
A player with three accrued seasons whose contract has expired. Their original team can match any offer and receive draft compensation if they don't.