Three NFL players who are most likely to receive franchise tags

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

The 2025 season was Alec Pierce's fourth year with the Colts. He was a second-round pick by Indianapolis in 2022 out of Cincinnati. Pierce has appeared in 64 games and made 55 starts over the last four seasons. 

In 2025, the 25-year-old had a career-high 47 catches and 1,003 receiving yards. He added six touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, Pierce has proved to be one of the most explosive wide receivers in the NFL. 

Indianapolis has a big decision to make this season regarding Pierce's future. Will the Colts let Pierce hit free agency, or will the franchise tag be used before that? The deep-threat WR has been a key piece of the team's offense. 

George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

During the 2025 offseason, the Cowboys traded a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers for a 2027 sixth-round pick and WR George Pickens. During his first season with Dallas, Pickens had a breakout year. 

With Dak Prescott as his QB, Pickens had a career-high 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. That was enough to earn his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors. The 24-year-old gave the Cowboys elite production in 2025. 

Back on Feb. 7, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on Pickens.

Kyle Pitts Sr., Atlanta Falcons

In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Falcons selected TE Kyle Pitts Sr. with the fourth overall pick out of Florida. The 2025 season was Pitts' fifth year with Atlanta, and it was his best one yet. 

The 25-year-old had a career-high 118 targets, 88 receptions and five receiving touchdowns. He finished just 72 yards shy of his second 1,000-yard season. Giving Pitts the franchise tag seems like the best option for the Falcons. 

There's no arguing that Pitts was one of the top TEs in the NFL last season. However, that's one good year. What about the three subpar seasons in a row before that? If Pitts has another strong year in 2026, Atlanta could then sign him to a long-term contract next year.