The 2026 NFL franchise tag window closed Tuesday, with three teams using the non-exclusive designation to retain key offensive weapons heading into free agency.
The Atlanta Falcons kicked things off by tagging tight end Kyle Pitts, the Cowboys followed with Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, and on the final day, the Jets added running back Breece Hall to the list.
Pickens put up career highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) in 2025 after being acquired from Pittsburgh. The non-exclusive tag allows his representation to drum up a market — cap-rich, receiver-needy teams like the Titans, Raiders and Patriots could put pressure on Dallas to get a deal or a trade done.
Pitts was statistically the best tight end in the NFL outside of Arizona's Trey McBride in 2025, finishing with 928 yards, five touchdowns and 88 catches. He put up those numbers even as Atlanta dealt with injuries to quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London.
Hall is set to receive around $14.29 million for the 2026 season if a new long-term deal is not reached by the July 15 deadline. All three players were tagged on the non-exclusive designation, meaning other teams can negotiate with them in free agency — though signing any would cost two first-round picks.
Long-term extensions remain possible for all three before the mid-July deadline.
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