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NFL Franchise Tag Window Now Open

Between now and March 5, NFL teams can use the franchise or transition tag on players headed towards free agency. 

Tuesday marked the beginning of the two-week period during which NFL teams can use the franchise or transition tag on a player who is set to become a free agent when the new league year begins in March.

Between now and 1 p.m. PT on March 5, teams can use the non-exclusive franchise tag, the less-commonly used exclusive franchise tag, or the transition tag. More details on all three of those tags can be found here.

The Seahawks have used the franchise tag only once under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider, doing so in 2010 to keep kicker Olindo Mare in town for another season. The Seahawks' list of players headed towards unrestricted free agency includes a few key players on defense—defensive end Frank Clark, linebacker K.J. Wright and safety Earl Thomas—as well as starting guards J.R. Sweezy and D.J. Fluker on offense.

Designating a franchise player in March doesn't mean a long-term contract extension can't happen, though the deadline to sign a player to a multi-year deal after placing the franchise tag on him is July 15. After that, a long-term deal cannot be negotiated until after the team's final regular-season game.

Take a look back at some of team photographer Rod Mar's best behind-the-scenes moments from the 2018 season.

2025 Pro Bowl Voting Is Now Open!

2025 Pro Bowl Voting Is Now Open!

Vote for your favorite Seahawks players to send them to the 2025 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, February 2nd.

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