The Indianapolis Colts have officially placed a transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, the New York Jets utilized the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall as teams rushed to meet the deadline for designating potential free agents.
The Colts chose the $37.8 million transition tag over the more costly $43.9 million franchise tag. This decision opens the door for Jones to potentially sign an offer sheet with another team once free agency kicks off on March 11. The Colts will have a five-day window to either match any offer or let Jones leave without compensation.
Meanwhile, Hall received the franchise tag worth $14.3 million, which would allow the Jets to receive two first-round draft picks if they choose not to match any offers for him. Other significant players, such as Dallas receiver George Pickens and Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts, had their franchise tags placed before the deadline. This year”s total of four tags surpasses last year”s tally of two.
There has typically been an average of more than nine franchise tags awarded each year from 2020 to 2024. The transition tag was also utilized on Kyle Dugger of the New England Patriots in 2024. The Colts” tagging of Jones raises questions about the future of wide receiver Alec Pierce, who could enter the free-agent market if he does not agree to a deal before the new league year begins.
Several high-profile players who did not receive tags and could also become free agents include Cincinnati edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III, Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum, Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh, and Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne.
Jones had a strong start to his inaugural season with the Colts, leading the team to an 8-2 record before suffering a leg injury and ultimately tearing his right Achilles tendon during a Week 14 loss against Jacksonville. Following Jones” injury, the Colts lost their final seven games, marking the fifth consecutive season they failed to reach the playoffs. They became the first team since the 1995 Oakland Raiders to miss the postseason after starting with such a promising record.
Despite the injury setback, Jones achieved career highs in passer rating at 100.2 and completion percentage at 68%. The Colts ranked fifth in the NFL in scoring, averaging 28.9 points per game prior to his injury. He threw 19 touchdown passes against just eight interceptions and added 164 rushing yards with five touchdowns.
The Colts remain uncertain about Jones” recovery timeline after his injury on December 7. The team currently has 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard on their roster, along with 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson, who has been permitted to seek a trade.
Breece Hall, who will turn 25 in May, was selected in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Iowa State and did not receive a contract extension last offseason, unlike fellow first-rounders Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson. This situation sparked some speculation regarding Hall”s future with the Jets, and he was mentioned in trade rumors as the previous season”s deadline approached. However, coach Aaron Glenn emphasized the team”s desire to keep Hall as a key component of their offense.
New York had intended to implement a three-running-back strategy featuring Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis. However, Allen suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve, while Davis emerged as a clear No. 2 option. With new offensive coordinator Frank Reich at the helm, the Jets will be in search of a new quarterback this offseason. The franchise tag on Hall allows New York to retain the dynamic running back while also negotiating a contract extension.
Hall achieved a career-high 1,065 rushing yards in 2025 despite missing the last game due to a knee injury, making him the first Jets player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season since Chris Ivory in 2015. Hall has accumulated over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive seasons, joining an exclusive group of players in franchise history.
Expressing confidence in his abilities, Hall stated on social media that he is ready to “bet on myself.” Currently, only three running backs in the NFL have contracts with an average annual value exceeding Hall”s $14.3 million franchise tag—Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry.
Pickens” tag is projected at approximately $27.3 million for the upcoming season, as the Cowboys strive to retain him after acquiring him from Pittsburgh last offseason. Pickens had a breakout year, achieving personal bests in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The Cowboys, however, struggled defensively, finishing the season with a 7-9-1 record and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Pitts” franchise tag amounts to around $15 million for the next season. The fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft earned second-team All-Pro recognition after recording a career-high in receptions and touchdowns last season. His receiving yards were second among NFL tight ends, trailing only Trey McBride of Arizona.
Teams may negotiate long-term contracts with players under the franchise or transition tags until July 15. If such agreements are not reached, players will be limited to one-year contracts for the 2026 season.
