NFL Teams Face Key Decisions as Franchise Tag Deadline Passes

The 2025 franchise tag deadline highlights strategic moves by teams like the Chiefs and Bengals, while others opt to conserve cap space for free agency.

• The NFL's 2025 franchise tag deadline officially passed at 4 p.m. EST on March 4, with several teams making critical roster decisions.
• The Kansas City Chiefs franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith, securing him for $23.4 million after his standout performance and the team's Super Bowl struggles on the offensive line.
• The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for a second consecutive year, costing $26.2 million, as they navigate long-term contract challenges.
• The Minnesota Vikings face uncertainty with quarterback Sam Darnold, who emerged as a top free-agent prospect after a breakout 2024 season, but was not tagged.
• The Chicago Bears, with $79.5 million in salary cap space, chose not to use the franchise tag, focusing instead on bolstering their offensive and defensive lines in free agency.

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