2025 NFL Franchise Tag Tracker: Will Lions Use Tag on Free Agent?

Lions have not used franchise tag on an impending free agent in several seasons.

Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) waves at fans after 24-6 win over Indianapolis Colts | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions are not expected to use the franchise tag on one of their own free agents.

Beginning February 18 through 4:00 p.m EST on March 4, NFL teams are allowed to designate players as franchise or transition players.

General manager Brad Holmes has yet to tag a player during his tenure in Motown.

According to ESPN, "Detroit hasn't used the franchise tag since applying it to defensive end Ezekiel Ansah in 2018 after he registered 12 sacks during the 2017 season. Their priority free agents this offseason are veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, cornerback Carlton Davis III and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike. But based on general manager Brad Holmes' track record, it doesn't seem like he would exercise that option on anyone from this year's group. He probably will allow them to test the waters before trying to reach a new deal, as he has prioritized developing young talent."

Detroit currently has approximately $45 million in cap space available. Some key decisions that will also need to be made by the front office involve potential lucrative extensions for Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph.

Both players are cornerstone pieces of the defense. Holmes and Co. have proven the Lions are willing to reward players who excel with long-term extensions.

Follow along, as Lions OnSI will update regularly the full list of players designated to receive a franchise or transitional tag. This list of players will impact Detroit's ability to acquire an impending free agent.

Franchise tagged

March 2: The Dallas Cowboys are planning to use the franchhise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if the two sides do not agree on a long-term contract by Tuesday's deadline.

Feb. 27: The Kansas City Chiefs will use the franchise tag on offensive guard Trey Smith.

Chiefs have informed Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith that he will be franchise tagged, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2025

Feb. 17: The Bengals reportedly plan to use the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, per Bengals OnSI.

Sources: The Bengals' plan to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins. Here's what it means for a long-term deal, when it could happen and other details that we have on the star wide receiver⬇️https://t.co/TdLrFWc6Bn

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) February 17, 2025

Transition tagged