Introduction
When it comes to the world of professional sports, the term ‘franchise tag’ is often thrown around. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the concept of a franchise tag, its implications, and how it is used in different sports leagues.
What is a Franchise Tag?
A franchise tag is a designation that a team can apply to a player who is set to become a free agent. By using the franchise tag, the team essentially retains the rights to the player for another season, preventing them from entering the free agent market.
How Does it Work?
When a team decides to use the franchise tag on a player, they must offer them a one-year contract that is usually the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position or a specific percentage increase from their previous salary, whichever is higher.
The player has the option to sign the franchise tag contract or hold out for a long-term deal. If the player does not sign the franchise tag by a certain deadline, they are not allowed to play for any team that season.
Examples of Franchise Tags
In the NFL, the franchise tag is commonly used to keep star players from hitting the open market. For example, in 2020, the Dallas Cowboys used the franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott to prevent him from becoming a free agent.
In the NBA, the concept of a franchise tag does not exist, but teams can use the ‘Bird rights’ provision to retain their own free agents by offering them a higher salary than other teams.
Case Studies
One of the most famous cases of a franchise tag being used is in the NFL, where the Washington Football Team used the tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins for two consecutive seasons in 2016 and 2017. Cousins eventually signed a long-term deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.
Statistics
According to the NFL Players Association, the number of players who have received the franchise tag has been on the rise in recent years. In 2021, a total of 10 players were tagged by their respective teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a franchise tag is a tool that sports teams use to retain key players for another season. While it may restrict the player’s ability to explore the free agent market, it can also lead to lucrative contract negotiations. Understanding the implications of a franchise tag is crucial for both players and teams in the world of professional sports.
