The Detroit Lions have made their decision on whether to use the franchise tag for the 2025 season. According to reports, the team has chosen not to use the tag on any of their pending free agents.
The franchise tag is a tool that allows teams to retain one of their players who is set to become a free agent. The tag comes with a one-year contract that is based on the average salary of the top five players at the same position.
The Lions had several players who were eligible for the franchise tag, including wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. However, the team has decided not to use the tag on either of these players, instead opting to try to sign them to long-term contracts.
By not using the franchise tag, the Lions are taking a risk that one or both of these players could leave in free agency. However, the team is also avoiding the possibility of having to pay a large one-year salary to a player who may not be worth it.
The decision not to use the franchise tag is also a sign that the Lions are confident in their ability to sign their key players to long-term contracts. The team has been working to re-sign several of their pending free agents, including St. Brown and Hutchinson, and they are hopeful that they can get deals done with both players.
Overall, the Lions’ decision not to use the franchise tag is a calculated risk that could pay off in the long run. By avoiding the tag, the team is giving themselves more flexibility to sign their key players to long-term contracts, which could help to build a more stable and successful team in the future.
It’s worth noting that the Lions’ decision not to use the franchise tag does not necessarily mean that they will not be active in free agency. The team may still look to sign other players to fill needs on their roster, and they may also look to trade for players who can help them win.
In any case, the Lions’ decision not to use the franchise tag is a sign that the team is confident in their ability to build a winning roster through a combination of free agency, the draft, and trades.