The Dallas Cowboys signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa before Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline, while the Minnesota Vikings chose not to tag quarterback Sam Darnold, allowing him to enter free agency next week.
Only two players received franchise tags for the 2025 season before the deadline: Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins on Monday and Kansas City guard Trey Smith last week.
This marks a sharp decline in franchise tags from eight last season and an average of over nine per year in the last five seasons. The last time fewer than three players were tagged was in 1994, when Pittsburgh tight end Eric Green was the only one, according to ESPN.
Other top players who can become free agents starting March 12, after not being tagged, include Tampa Bay receiver Chris Godwin, Miami safety Jevon Holland, Philadelphia defenders Milton Williams, Zack Baun, and Josh Sweat, and Baltimore left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
The Cowboys secured Odighizuwa with a four-year, $80 million deal, including $58 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, according to his agent. A franchise tag would have been worth $25.1 million for Odighizuwa in 2025.
Darnold had a breakout year in Minnesota, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with a 102.5 passer rating. Drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018, Darnold struggled for several years in New York and Carolina.
Sam Darnold
After serving as a backup in San Francisco during the 2023 season, he showed his potential, but his performance in critical games, including a Week 18 loss to Detroit and a wild-card loss to the Rams, led the Vikings to forgo the $40.2 million franchise tag.
The Vikings will now move forward with J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted last season but missed his rookie year due to a knee injury. McCarthy is expected to start in coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense, which features star receiver Justin Jefferson.
Higgins received the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, valued at $26.2 million. He was tied for sixth in the league last season with 10 touchdown receptions, adding 73 catches for 911 yards and averaging 12.5 yards per reception.
Smith, drafted in the sixth round of 2021, was tagged with a $23.402 million value. He has missed only one game in four seasons and has helped the Chiefs win Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023. Kansas City’s offensive line struggles in the most recent Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia influenced their decision to tag Smith, aiming to bolster protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Players who receive franchise tags have until July 15 to sign long-term deals; otherwise, they must play under the terms of the tag for the 2025 season.
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