NFL teams often try to prevent their players from hitting free agency in order to keep cost-controlled talent and remain competitive under the salary cap.
One way they do this is by using tags, such as the transition tag.
The transition tag is applied to a player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent and allows the team to have the right of first refusal on any contract offers from other teams.
This means that if the player negotiates a contract with another team and signs an offer sheet, his original team can match the terms to keep him.
If a player with a transition tag does not reach an agreement with a new team, he is given a one-year tender with a salary based on the top salaries at his position from the previous season.
The transition tag in the NFL is a tool used by teams to retain key players while allowing some negotiation flexibility.
It differs from the franchise tag, which offers higher compensation and a higher one-year salary for the team.
Here’s how the transition tag works:
1. Purpose: The transition tag gives the original club the right of first refusal if the player receives an offer from another team. The original club can match the offer and keep the player.
2. Usage Limit: Each NFL club can use the transition tag once a year unless they choose to use a franchise tag instead.
3. Comparison to Franchise Tag: The franchise tag offers more protection for the team as it prevents the player from negotiating with other teams. The transition tag allows negotiation with other teams, but the original club has the right to match any offer.
4. Calculation of Offer Amount: The one-year offer under the transition tag is either the average of the top 10 highest-paid players at the player’s position in the previous year or 120% of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater.
The transition tag allows a player to negotiate with other teams while the original club decides whether to match the offer.
In terms of rules, a club can designate one player as a transition player, granting them certain rights of first refusal.
The player is free to negotiate and sign a contract with any club from the start of the league year until July 22, without penalties or restrictions.
The transition tag pays a player the average of the top 10 salaries at their position.
The player can negotiate with other teams, and the current team can match any offer but won’t receive compensation if they choose not to match.
Although similar to the franchise tag, the transition tag is cheaper as it is based on the average of the top ten salaries at the player’s position.
The transition tag allows a player to negotiate with new teams, and the original team can choose to match or decline the offer.
Here are the projected amounts for each position on a transition tag for 2024 (via Over the Cap):
• Quarterbacks: $31.2M
• Running Backs: $10.1M
• Wide Receivers: $19.4M
• Tight Ends: $10.6M
• Offensive Line: $19.7M
• Defensive End: $20.1M
• Defensive Tackle: $15.8M
• Linebackers: $18.6M
• Cornerbacks: $15.9M
• Safeties: $14.0M
• Special Teams: $5.3M
Only six players were tagged last year. Here are the players to have received franchise/transition tags prior to or on Tuesday:
• Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. (reported by NFL Media). The non-exclusive tag is worth $21.816M.
• New England Patriots S Kyle Dugger. The transition tag he received is worth $13.8 million.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield. Jr., who will be paid $17.1 million if no long-term deal is worked out.
• Jacksonville Jaguars DE Josh Allen, who had 17 ½ sacks last season and gets a salary of $22.748 million.
• Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson, regarded by many as the NFL’s best cornerback. Salary: $19.8 million.
• Baltimore Ravens DT Justin Madubuike, a big part of one of the league’s best defenses in 2023. Salary: $22.1 million
• Carolina Panthers OLB Brian Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler. Salary: $24 million.
• Kansas City Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed, a back-to-back Super Bowl champion. Salary: $19.8 million.
In summary, the transition tag is a one-year tender offer based on the top 10 salaries at the player’s position.
It gives the original club the right of first refusal without draft compensation if they choose not to match an offer.
It provides a middle ground between unrestricted free agency and the franchise tag, allowing teams to potentially keep key players while maintaining some flexibility in negotiations.
