2026 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline: Who’s Staying and Who’s Hitting the Market?

The NFL landscape shifted today as the 4:00 PM ET deadline for franchise and transition tags passed. While four teams used the tag to retain their core stars, several high-profile players are now set to become unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins next week.

🔒 The Tagged Stars

These players are off the market for now as their teams work toward long-term extensions:

• George Pickens (WR, Cowboys): Dallas ensures their top deep threat stays in the building.

• Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons): Atlanta keeps the versatile playmaker as a cornerstone of their offense.

• Breece Hall (RB, Jets): New York holds onto one of the league's most productive backfield weapons.

• Daniel Jones (QB, Colts): In a strategic move, Indy applied the transition tag, giving them the right to match any offer the QB receives.

🚀 Entering Free Agency

In a surprise to some, these players did not receive a tag and are eligible to sign with any team starting next week:

• Kenneth Walker (RB, Seahawks): The Super Bowl LX MVP will be the most coveted back on the market.

• Trey Hendrickson (DE, Bengals): A premier pass rusher who will command a massive veteran contract.

• Travis Etienne (RB, Jaguars): A dual-threat weapon that will transform any backfield he joins.

• Odafe Oweh (DE, Chargers): A young, ascending edge rusher hitting his prime.

• Tyler Linderbaum (C, Ravens): One of the league's best interior linemen is now available for hire.

• Alec Pierce (WR, Colts): After a breakout season, Pierce hits the market as a top-tier vertical threat.