2026 NFL franchise tag window closes today

There could be several additional tags handed out today. The Jets have said they’d tag Breece Hall if a deal can’t come to fruition. Cincinnati refused to rule out tagging Trey Hendrickson (possibly to trade him).

The most intriguing options sit in Indianapolis. General manager Chris Ballard said he’d like to refrain from using the tag, but he has two players to use it on: QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce.

It could be déjà vu for Jones, who on the final day of the tag window in 2023 inked a long-term contract with the New York Giants, which allowed Big Blue to tag Saquon Barkley. Could the QB again ink a contract as the franchise tender window inches closed, allowing Indy to also squat on Pierce’s rights? Could they sign both? Could both head to the market and possibly new homes?

Any player not tagged today has a free sprint toward free agency, but clubs can still hand out extensions to their own players in the meantime.

With the trade market already heating up, it’s a full-on gallop to the new league year on March 11, when free agency officially kicks off. Giddy up.