NFL Teams Can Begin Using Franchise Tags Today

It's Franchise Tag Day in the NFL. Or more accurately, Tuesday marked the start of the period in which NFL teams can begin using the franchise or transition tag on their unrestricted free agents.

Teams have the ability to use the franchise/transition tag until March 9.

So, what is exactly is this all about? Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk explains:

"Any player who is tagged has until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with their team and they can also be traded after being tagged, although any deal would require them to sign the tag in order for the trade to become official."

Still don't understand? It's OK. Just know that franchise tags give teams an opportunity to work out a deal with players whom they could otherwise lose for nothing in free agency.

As Alper notes, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Goodwin and Shaq Barrett, Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay are among the most prominent candidates for the tag this year.