Teams have three different tagging options to attempt to retain a player for the 2018 season: 1) Non-exclusive tag; 2) exclusive tag; 3) transition tag.
From NFL.com.
Non-exclusive franchise tag: This is the most commonly used tag. When people refer to the "franchise tag" they are generally talking about the non-exclusive version. It is a one-year tender offer for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position over the last five years, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The player can negotiate with other teams. The player's current team has the right to match any offer, or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs with another club.
Exclusive franchise tag: A one-year tender offer to a player for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The player cannot negotiate with another team. The bump in pay scale (current average salary versus averaging of the past five years of data) means only the very best -- players for whom teams would gladly give up two first-round picks to sign -- receive this tag (Kirk Cousins and Le'Veon Bell received the exclusive tag last season).
Transition tag: The transition tag is generally a half-measure to try and keep a player but not necessarily at the premium price. The transition designation is a one-year tender offer for an amount that is the average of the top 10 salaries at the position -- as opposed to top five for the franchise tag. It guarantees the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer the player might receive from another team. The tagging club is awarded no compensation if it chooses not to match.
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Players can sign the tender at any point after they are tagged. Until the tender is signed the team can rescind the franchise/transition tag. Once the tender is signed the player's salary is guaranteed for the season. Tagged players have until 4 p.m. ET on July 16 to negotiate a multi-year contract with the team. After this date, the player may only sign a one-year contract with the team.
The contract values for each player position and tagging level will not be determined until the final salary cap number is officially set.
The number of players tagged in a given year has varied wildly since the franchise and transition tags were introduced when free agency started in 1993. From 19 in 2012 to only five last year. This year has a low-end feel. The Dallas Cowboys have said that they will use the franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. We'll probably know soon if they actually do so. The Miami Dolphins have placed the non-exclusive on receiver Jarvis Landry.
Other players with a chance to get tagged:
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions
Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Sammy Watkins, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seattle Seahawks
I've seen some reports that possible targets Carolina Panthers guard Andrew Norwell and Chicago Bears corner Kyle Fuller will become free agents because their teams aren't inclined to tag them.
Let the taggin' begin.
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