The NFL's franchise tag is officially open for the 2025 offseason. This means that between now and March 4, teams can use the franchise tag on any player with an expiring contract this offseason.
Using the franchise tag hasn't been common practice for Ryan Poles during his time as the Chicago Bears general manager. The only time that the Bears have used the franchise tag under Poles' regime was last offseason. In 2024, the Bears placed the franchise tag on cornerback Jaylon Johnson before agreeing to a four-year contract extension shortly after the start of the new league year in March.
Taking a look at the Bears' free agents this offseason, it would seem pretty clear that the team won't be using the franchise tag this year.
If there were a case to be made for the Bears to use the franchise tag this offseason, it would only be for one of two free agents. Those two free agents are offensive lineman Teven Jenkins and veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. Part of the reason why the Bears won't be using the franchise tag is neither player warrants the team going to that measure.
Don't expect the Chicago Bears to use the franchise tag
Beginning with Jenkins, the writing has been on the wall since the second half of the 2024 season, when he is in his final weeks with the team. Jenkins told reporters prior to the start of the season that the team would engage in contract talks with him after their bye week but with tackle-turned-guard struggling to finish games healthy, it became a moot point.
As for Allen, production and age are the key factors for why the Bears wouldn't use the franchise tag on the veteran wide receiver. Unless Allen is willing to take a discounted deal to return to the Bears, it seems his time with the team was one-and-done.
Across the NFL, all eyes are on the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins. The Bengals are planning to place the franchise tag on Higgins before letting him reach free agency but the focus remains on a potential contract extension. The Bears may be paying attention to the situation between Higgins and the Bengals, as that could mean Cincinnati is willing to listen to trade offers for star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.