The new NFL league year is almost upon us. For now, however, teams can select players to use the franchise tag on as a means of securing another year of service without free agency and in hopes of reaching a long term deal.
Teams have until March 5 to use it, and once it's tendered and signed, teams and players have until July 15 to try to negotiate a deal.
If no deal is reached, the player must play out the year under the tag, which is not to be worth less than the average of the league's top five salaries at the player's position.