The franchise tag deadline in the NFL brings a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as teams finalize their rosters. As of noon on Tuesday, only two players, Trey Smith and Tee Higgins, have received their tags, with the deadline looming at 4 p.m. ET. Smith is set for a one-year salary of $23.4 million with the Kansas City Chiefs, while Higgins will make $26.18 million with the Cincinnati Bengals due to a second tag increase. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Sam Darnold's future with the Minnesota Vikings, where hopes for a long-term deal hang in the balance. The Baltimore Ravens face similar challenges with left tackle Ronnie Stanley amid salary cap constraints.

The NFL Combine has generated overreactions, particularly regarding Shedeur Sanders' potential draft position. Analysts suggest it's premature to predict him falling out of the top 10, despite some doubts lingering. The hype also surrounds running backs like Omarion Hampton, who is expected to attract first-round interest after a strong showing. Meanwhile, the New York Jets and their search for receivers, mainly Davante Adams, is heating up, as potential landing spots include the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.

The 2025 NFL Combine showcased emerging talents, with standout performances affecting draft stock significantly. Jaxson Dart of Mississippi made a strong case to be a top 10 pick, impressing with his deep ball capabilities after a stellar 2024 season. Quinn Ewers from Texas regained his status as a top prospect with accurate throws, while Dillon Gabriel struggled, potentially jeopardizing his draft position. Among running backs, Quinshon Judkins and Omarion Hampton excelled, solidifying themselves as top prospects. Wide receivers like Elic Ayomanor and Jaylin Noel also improved their statuses with remarkable athletic displays. Tight end Terrance Ferguson was the only one to boost his stock among tight ends, showing promise despite a less than spectacular showing overall. The Combine results will undoubtedly shake up the upcoming draft landscape.

The NFL's franchise tag deadline is fast approaching, set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, with teams finalizing decisions on key players. The Kansas City Chiefs have placed the tag on offensive lineman Trey Smith, while the Cincinnati Bengals have tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins, ensuring he remains in Cincinnati. The Dallas Cowboys are also reportedly prepared to franchise defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa if a long-term agreement isn't reached.

Understanding the franchise tag is crucial: it allows teams to keep a player who might otherwise enter free agency, binding them to a one-year contract that reflects either the average salaries of the top five players at their position or a fixed percentage increase from the previous year. There are different types of tags, including exclusive and non-exclusive options, each with varying implications for player movement and negotiation.

The New York Giants are facing a pivotal offseason focused on securing a new quarterback, a decision that could shape the future of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Matthew Stafford's return to the Los Angeles Rams has left the Giants exploring other options, including a potential trade with the Tennessee Titans for Miami QB Cam Ward, whom they might select with the first overall pick. The landscape for quarterbacks in the upcoming draft is shifting, with Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Quinn Ewers entering the conversation as potential alternatives.

Among the various strategies, the Giants could consider trading back to capitalize on the value of their picks while also identifying their franchise quarterback. Sanders, with impressive stats from last season, stands out as a candidate, though questions remain about whether he warrants a top-three selection. Free agency also offers intriguing options like Sam Darnold, who has emerged as a star with the Vikings, and Aaron Rodgers, whose consistency might bring stability to the Giants' troubled QB position.

The ongoing NFL Scouting Combine is sparking debates about which head coaches might excel in the bench press, a classic test of strength for prospects. Notably, Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions has garnered significant backing from fellow coaches, including Brian Callahan and Nick Sirianni, who deem him the strongest due to his past as a tight end. However, Sean Payton of the Broncos argued for DeMeco Ryans, the Texans' head coach, citing Campbell's injury potential. Other coaches, like Mike Macdonald and Dave Canales, also entered the discussion, with Macdonald expressing confidence in his own strength and Canales favoring Sean McVay as a 'sleeper' contender.