What Does Franchise Tag Mean in the NFL? The Term ExplainedHome > Entertainment > Celebrity > Sports > NFLSource: Getty Images Here' s Everything You Should Know About the NFL' s Infamous Franchise TagBy Allison DeGrusheMar. 8 2022, Published 11:34 a.m. ET Well, folks, it seems the NFL season never truly ends; with the offseason in full swing, die-hard fans can feed their football obsession with news surrounding free agency and the upcoming draft. It's always interesting to research who will become the next big thing in the league or discover who's looking to sign with another franchise.Article continues below advertisement However, the most significant storyline to follow each year, in our opinion, is which players receive the franchise tag mantle. What is that? What does franchise tag mean? Here's everything you need to know.Source: Getty ImagesArticle continues below advertisement What does franchise tag mean in the NFL For those unaware, the franchise tag refers to an agreement between a player and their current franchise. If a team has a franchise player that is a free agent with an expiring contract, they can retain that player by placing a tag on them. The franchise tag option consists of a one-year contract that guarantees a non-negotiable salary for players. According to SB Nation, the predetermined pay is arranged by specifying the average of "the top five salaries by position for the previous league year, or if it’s higher, 120 percent of a player’s salary the previous season."Article continues below advertisement One way or another, we're going to learn something today. Happy Franchise Tag Deadline Day.— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) March 8, 2022 Additionally, there are two types of franchise tag designations in the NFL — exclusive rights and non-exclusive rights. The main difference between the variations is that an "exclusive" franchise player cannot negotiate with other teams, but a "non-exclusive" franchise athlete can.Article continues below advertisement SB Nation reports that if the "non-exclusive" athlete does sign with another team, the original team has the right to match the terms of that offer. But, if they do not match the bid, they receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. I have to be honest, the franchise tag is really stupid and unfair for players.— Jared Barsness (@JaredBarsNFL) March 9, 2021 Many NFL buffs have been outspoken about their distaste for the franchise tag, claiming that while general managers and owners successfully evade the financial troubles of a long-term contract, it's unfair for athletes. Essentially, the title devalues an athlete's worth and restricts players from negotiating a more profitable contract with other teams. Hopefully, the NFL will look over their rules and make some adjustments to give all players an equal advantage in the league.AdvertisementMore from Distractify Want to Sound Like a Football Expert Before the Super Bowl? Here's Our Handy Guide What's the Deal With Football Players Wearing Towels During Games? Football Refs Don’t Throw Their Hats (Just) Because They’re Fed up With Players on the Field Latest NFL News and UpdatesAdvertisementABOUT DistractifyAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseDMCASitemapCONNECT with DistractifyLink to Facebook Link to TwitterLink to InstagramContact us by Email Copyright 2022 Distractify. Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.