Franchise and transition player designations were announced for the 2021 NFL free agency signing period, which begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 17. Teams may designate one “franchise” player or one “transition” player among its veteran free agents.    

The salary offer by a player’s club determines whether the franchise player designation is exclusive or non-exclusive. 

  • Exclusive franchise players: Cannot sign with another club. They are offered the greater of (i) the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of April 23; or (ii) the required amount for a “non-exclusive” franchise player (see chart below).
  • Non-exclusive franchise players: Can negotiate a contract with any club. The player’s current team will receive two first-round draft selections as compensation if he signs with a new club. 

For the 2021 season, Dallas Cowboys’ Quarterback Dak Prescott was the only player designated as an exclusive franchise player. Nine players were designated as non-exclusive franchise players for the 2021 season. The signing period for franchise players begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 17 and ends following the 10th week of the season.

2021 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

Team

Player

Position

Carolina Panthers

Taylor Moton

OL

Chicago Bears

Allen Robinson

WR

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott*

QB

Denver Broncos

Justin Simmons

S

Jacksonville Jaguars

Cam Robinson

OL

New Orleans Saints

Marcus Williams

S

New York Giants

Leonard Williams

DT

New York Jets

Marcus Maye

S

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin

WR

Washington Football Team

Brandon Scherff

OL

*Denotes Exclusive Franchise Player

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