I’m sure most of us have heard of football players like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, they’re household names among NFL fans. But what many of us don’t know is that sometimes the NFL puts what is called a “Franchise Tag” on a player. It’s basically a way for the teams to extend a player’s contract at the previous rate for one additional year until a new, long-term deal can be reached.
Many people don’t realize that a player can actually decline a Franchise Tag, but it’s very rare. In fact, only a handful of players have done so over the last 10 years or so. It’s a heavy decision for these players because, if they do, they have to wait until the next season until they’re free agents again.
When I heard about this question, I couldn’t believe my ears. How could an NFL player possibly deny such an offer? It practically guarantees them another year of playing and at the same rate of pay too! That’s a no-brainer, right?
Wrong. There are various reasons why a player might not want to accept a franchise tag. It could be because he feels he’s worth more than what he’s being offered, it could be because of an injury that’s nagging him, or it could be simply because he’s just had it with his current team and wants to move on.
I’m sure there are plenty of scenarios where a player has a good reason to deny a tagging. But, I think at the end of the day, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. It’s true that by refusing a franchise tag you can hold out for a better deal, but at the same time you’re gambling with your career and the future of your family. It’s a gamble that not many players will take.
It’s interesting to think that one momentous decision can have such huge implications in a player’s career. It definitely makes you pause and think about the pros and cons of the situation. On the one hand, it could be a way to maximize your earning potential and gain more job security. On the other hand, it could be a way to force yourself into free agency and chance it all.
In the end, it’s really up to the player to decide if it’s a risk they’re willing to take. Everyone wants control of their own destiny, but what price should a player pay for that? That’s really the million dollar question. And one that players have to answer before they can make a decision; do they risk it all for greater security, or hold off for more?
Explanation:
For those deciding whether declining a franchise tag is the right decision, it’s important to fully understand both sides of the issue. On the one hand, refusing a franchise tag could mean giving up guaranteed salary, with no guarantees, for a potential higher contract down the road. On the other hand, it could enable a player to be the most employable in the NFL.
Players and teams usually come to a consensus on a new contract before a franchise tag is offered, however, this can be difficult when the two parties are far apart in terms of value. In this case, the player is left with the decision to accept the tag, or take a risk and go into free agency.
When a player seeks to go into free agency, they must be comfortable with the fact that their earnings may not match what they’ve made in the past, there are no guarantees on a job with another team and the team they leave behind may seek retribution. The issue of retribution is an interesting one considering there is no guaranteed contract in the NFL and the team holds the ability to limit the player’s value in the open market.
For some players, however, taking this risk could pay off big in the end. It could be their one and only chance to prove that they are worth more and make more money now and in the future. It could also be a way to gain more control over their career and freedoms as a professional athlete.
Additionally, when a player signs a franchise tag he or she is committing to spending another year with the same team. Although it guarantees them a job for another year, it could also mean another season of dealing with a team with whom they are not content. For players in this situation, holding out for a better deal may be worth the risk.
When it comes to deciding whether to accept or decline a franchise tag, it’s important for a player to think long and hard about their options. They need to understand the potential risks involved, while considering the opportunities that could follow. Ultimately, it’s a gamble, but one where the stakes are much higher than just money – it’s a gamble on your career.