The NFL’s franchise tag deadline has been met, and players like Tee Higgins and Sam Darnold are now free to negotiate their contracts or move on to new teams. The winners of the 2025 franchise tag deadline include Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Smith, who all received lucrative offers from their current teams.
For Higgins, being tagged means his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals is effectively secured for 2025, allowing him to focus on negotiating a long-term deal alongside quarterback Ja’Marr Chase. This move could also benefit other veteran wideouts like Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, and Amari Cooper, who may see increased interest from teams due to Higgins’ presence.
On the other hand, players like Sam Darnold were “set free” by their current teams, allowing them to assess their value on the market. The Minnesota Vikings chose not to use the franchise tag on Darnold, but he still has a chance to sign with another team that values him at a similar price point.
The losers of the 2025 franchise tag deadline include Sam Darnold, who may struggle to find a new home due to his recent past as a starter. Aaron Rodgers, who is no longer with the New York Jets, faces an uncertain future in the league and may have to wait for a new team to take him on.
The Cincinnati Bengals have already moved forward with Higgins, indicating their intention to rework his contract alongside Chase. However, it’s unclear how long this will take, and Higgins’ lack of playing time is a concern for fans who want him to receive the extension he feels he deserves.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2025/03/04/nfl-franchise-tag-winners-losers-sam-darnold-tee-higgins/81404152007