NFL Franchise Tag Decisions: Hall, Jones, Pickens, and Pitts Receive Designations

As NFL teams navigated the franchise and transition tag window, which closed on March 3, 2026, four players—Breece Hall, Daniel Jones, George Pickens, and Kyle Pitts—received designations that will significantly impact their immediate futures. These moves prevent the players from entering unrestricted free agency, though the terms of their designations vary.

Franchise Tag Explained

The franchise tag is a tool teams use to retain a player for one additional season, binding them to the team while negotiations for a long-term contract continue. Franchise tag salaries are based on the average of the top five salaries at each position [1]. Teams have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement with tagged players; otherwise, the player will play the season under the one-year tag.

Players Receiving the Franchise Tag

Breece Hall, Running Back, New York Jets

The New York Jets applied the franchise tag to running back Breece Hall [3], securing his services for the 2026 season.

George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys designated wide receiver George Pickens with the franchise tag [3]. There are questions surrounding whether Pickens will maintain his high level of performance if he receives a long-term, lucrative contract, given past concerns about his work ethic and locker room presence [1].

Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Atlanta Falcons

Tight end Kyle Pitts received the franchise tag from the Atlanta Falcons [3]. After a promising rookie season in 2021, Pitts’s career was hampered by a knee injury. He rebounded in 2025 with 88 catches, 928 yards, and five touchdowns, leading the Falcons to use the tag to evaluate his sustained performance under a new coaching staff led by Kevin Stefanski [1].

Player Receiving the Transition Tag

Daniel Jones, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts applied the transition tag to quarterback Daniel Jones [2]. Unlike the franchise tag, the transition tag allows Jones to negotiate with other teams, but the Colts have the right to match any offer he receives [2]. The Colts made this move after being unable to agree to a contract extension, and despite Jones’s recent Achilles injury, citing a lack of available quarterbacks in free agency and the draft [2].

Looking Ahead

With the franchise and transition tag window closed, these four players now face a critical period of negotiation. The next few months will determine whether they sign long-term extensions with their current teams or play the 2026 season under the terms of their respective tags.