The NFL has formally released the 2026 franchise tag figures for every position.
The numbers were confirmed after the league established the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million. Among the standout increases, the wide receiver tag now exceeds $27 million.
Franchise tag amounts are calculated using a formula tied to positional earnings and overall cap growth. Front offices will reference these figures closely as they make decisions on pending free agents.
2026 NFL franchise tag values by position
According to NBC Sports, this is the franchise tag value for each position:
- Quarterback: $43.895 million
- Running Back: $14.293 million
- Wide Receiver: $27.298 million
- Tight End: $15.045 million
- Offensive Line: $25.773 million
- Defensive End: $24.434 million
- Defensive Tackle: $27.127 million
- Linebacker: $26.865 million
- Cornerback: $21.161 million
- Safety: $20.149 million
- Kicker/Punter: $6.649 million
Wide receiver growth mirrors defensive interior value
The wide receiver tag climbing to $27.298 million highlights the continued expansion of the passing economy across the league.
Quarterbacks still command the highest valuation at $43.895 million, maintaining their position as the most critical asset in roster construction.
Beyond the offensive side, the defensive figures illustrate where teams are concentrating their financial resources.
Defensive tackle carries the highest defensive tag at $27.127 million, with linebacker close behind at $26.865 million.
Those totals indicate that organizations place significant importance on interior linemen and multi-dimensional linebackers capable of impacting both the run and pass game.
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