Each NFL offseason brings the inevitable franchise tag conversation. For the Detroit Lions, that discussion naturally surfaces again with several experienced contributors approaching free agency. On the surface, it seems like a reasonable debate.

A closer look at the financial picture, however, suggests the tag is far less realistic than it might appear.

Detroit Has Viable Candidates

If general manager wanted to apply the franchise tag in 2026, he would have options. A few veteran defenders from the 2025 roster fit the profile based on experience and role:

Al-Quadin Muhammad

D.J. Reader

Alex Anzalone

Each logged meaningful snaps and provided value to Detroit’s defense. Retaining any of them would strengthen depth and continuity.

But roster value isn’t the main issue.

The Cost Is the Complication

The franchise tag isn’t structured around a player’s projected open-market deal. Instead, it assigns a salary based on the upper tier of contracts at that position league-wide. That typically results in a significant pay bump — often well beyond what a veteran in this tier would command in free agency.

For a team flush with cap space, that premium might be manageable.

For Detroit, it’s far more complicated.

The Lions are currently projected to enter the 2026 offseason over the salary cap. Simply applying the tag would require additional financial maneuvering just to become compliant. And even after creating room, the team would be committing elite-level money to players whose expected market value likely falls well below the tag number.

Philosophy Matters

Since taking over in Detroit, Holmes has shown a consistent approach: disciplined spending and long-term flexibility over emotional or splashy decisions.

Using the tag on Muhammad, Reader, or Anzalone would likely represent an overcommitment relative to their anticipated contracts. While all three offer leadership and production, tying up significant cap space in a single veteran could restrict flexibility elsewhere — particularly with younger core players nearing extension eligibility and premium positions demanding attention.

What’s More Likely?

Technically, the Lions could deploy the franchise tag.

Realistically, it doesn’t align with their financial outlook or team-building strategy.

A more probable path includes:

Allowing the free-agent market to establish value

Attempting to negotiate contracts that fit Detroit’s budget

Moving on when the financials no longer make sense

It may not generate dramatic headlines, but it reflects the disciplined management style that has helped transform the into a consistent contender.