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Only Four Tags Applied at NFL Deadline as Bengals Decline to Tag Trey Hendrickson

Teams pivot to free agency, where stark cap-space gaps will shape offers when negotiations open March 9.

Overview

  • Four players were designated at the deadline: the Falcons tagged TE Kyle Pitts, the Cowboys tagged WR George Pickens, the Jets tagged RB Breece Hall and the Colts used the transition tag on QB Daniel Jones.
  • Indianapolis’ transition tag gives matching rights at a lower figure than the franchise tag, and GM Chris Ballard said Jones is on track in his Achilles recovery.
  • The Colts’ choice increases the likelihood that WR Alec Pierce reaches the market because clubs can use only one tag.
  • The Bengals chose not to franchise-tag four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson, allowing the veteran edge rusher to enter free agency.
  • The Seahawks did not tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, and updated Over The Cap figures highlight wide cap disparities (Titans $93.8M, Raiders $88.1M, Cowboys -$56.6M) as legal tampering begins March 9 and signings become official March 11.