The National Football League's franchise tag window is opening this week, a two-week stretch of time where teams will decide whether or not to apply it to a departing player in order to retain control of their services for another season. A tag comes at a high financial cost, however, which makes it a rarely used option on only the league's best players.
This year, the Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to use the tag. It's not that some departing free agents aren't valuable. Rather, the marriage of impact and positional value simply doesn't make it a likely endeavor. That's why names like Leo Chenal or Jaylen Watson or Bryan Cook are all likely to hit the market. If any returns to the Chiefs, it won't be because they were tagged.
The lack of movement on K.C.'s front, however, shouldn't keep Chiefs fans from following the action closely. The truth is that other franchises' decisions in this window will have a significant impact on what Brett Veach will do this offseason. Let's take a look at the important calls other teams will be making and how they could affect Kansas City's outlook.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers
Rico Dowdle ended the season frustrated with his usage rates, which points to a potential departure. However, the Panthers can't afford to lose much talent as a fringe playoff contender that needs to maintain depth. A tag feels unlikely here, but they have the money, and Dowdle put up two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne is one of three impact running backs whose status will be watched closely by Chiefs fans. Etienne has averaged just under 1,300 yards and 8 touchdowns per season in his first four years with the Jags. It's exciting to think about what he could add as a playmaker for the Chiefs, if only Jacksonville would allow him to hit free agency.
John Franklin-Myers, DL, Denver Broncos
It's honestly hard to imagine the Chiefs winning the bidding for Franklin-Myers, if he makes it to the open market at all. Denver's defense has enjoyed his steady efforts up front for the last two years, and they'd be smart to find a way to make it a third if they want to maintain a hold on the top of the AFC West. If he wiggles free, however, he'd be a perfect fit opposite George Karlaftis.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
The Chiefs were reportedly close to dealing for Hall before the league's trade deadline a few months ago, so it feels obvious for them to chase him in free agency. Hall has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to play elsewhere, but the Jets could use this as leverage to play hardball. Perhaps they'll tag him in the hopes of trading him, as the Chiefs did with L'Jarius Sneed in 2024 to the Tennessee Titans.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens already re-signed Mark Andrews to another extension, which will leave Likely as second fiddle if he's back with new head coach Jesse Minter. Likely isn't a premier tight end, but he'll be an intriguing option on the market. For a team like the Chiefs, he could be an ideal TE2 (if they cut Noah Gray) who could slide into a starting role after Kelce walks.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Pitts enjoyed a resurgent 2025 campaign with the Falcons after failing to live up to his draft billing for the first few seasons of his career. Now on the verge of free agency, Atlanta would be wise to allow new head coach Kevin Stefanski a chance to work with a bevy of talent at the skill positions, along with Bijan Robinson and Drake London. If Kelce retires, this decision becomes very important.
Kenneth Walker Jr, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Walker is fresh off a Super Bowl MVP win and a thrilling season for Seattle, so he's going to be expensive for any team. But the Seahawks are already worried that Zach Charbonnet's season-ending injury could be a factor in 2026, so it's hard to imagine they let Walker leave town. That said, early reports have the Seahawks "unlikely" to use the franchise tag on Walker, per Adam Schefter.