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At the end of every NFL season, fans assemble their dream offseason list of free agents. The only problem is that most of the top guys never make it to free agency. Whether teams sign their players to long-term extensions or use the franchise tag, the top of the free-agent market can look drastically different from January to March.
We are now one week from free agency, and on Tuesday, NFL teams had until 4:00 p.m. ET to apply the franchise or transition tag on a player they wanted to keep off the open market. Before Tuesday, only two teams had used the franchise tag. On Tuesday, two more teams used tags. Here's how it shook out:
- Dallas Cowboys applied franchise tag on WR George Pickens
- Atlanta Falcons applied franchise tag on TE Kyle Pitts
- New York Jets applied franchise tag on RB Breece Hall
- Indianapolis Colts applied franchise tag on QB Daniel Jones
This is good news for teams in need of a wide receiver, edge rusher, or running back. A team like the Washington Commanders, who have around $90 million in salary cap room and plenty of needs.
How do the decisions of each of the teams that chose not to tag specific players impact the Commanders? We look at three situations and their impact on Washington.
Colts do not tag WR Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce would be a dream target for the Commanders. We've mentioned how he'd fit the offense before, giving Jayden Daniels a receiver who is arguably the best deep threat in the NFL. Additionally, he'd give Washington a true No. 2 or 1b opposite Terry McLaurin. For an offense that's expected to be under center more in 2026, Pierce would give the Commanders a true vertical threat, which would make the play-action run game even more dangerous.
The problem is that Pierce's price tag could be as high as $25 million. He's not considered on the level of the very top receivers in the NFL, but he offers a specific skill set that's valuable — and he's young (25). It seems unlikely that the Commanders would pay Pierce at the top of the market, but remember, they could move on from McLaurin in 2027. This one seems doubtful, but with Pierce now available, you just never know.
Bengals do not tag DE Trey Hendrickson
The Commanders were linked to Hendrickson last offseason. He just wasn't available. It's uncertain how interested Washington was because Cincinnati refused to do the right thing and trade him. Now, the Bengals will receive nothing in return. There are question marks here. Hendrickson will be 32 in December. And, he missed 10 games last season. You can't overlook those things once a player is over 30. But make no mistake, if Hendrickson is healthy and on the field, he's an impact player. He led all NFL players in 2023 and 2024 with 35 sacks combined. Washington is in dire need of pass-rush help. Teams aren't hesitant to pay big bucks for pass rushers. Whether it's the Commanders or someone else, Hendrickson will get paid. This one will be interesting to watch.
Seahawks do not tag RB Kenneth Walker III
The Commanders desperately want to add a starting running back. While they love Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington wants an every-down back who can do everything. Croskey-Merritt proved he could break long runs, but the Commanders want more. Walker is a top-flight back. He has terrific patience, runs with power, and has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. There's a reason Washington is so connected to Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. It's unclear if the Commanders get involved here, but it would send a big statement about their offense under new coordinator David Blough. Walker would be a fun addition behind quarterback Jayden Daniels.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Franchise tag moves could impact free agency