What does the term 'franchise tag' imply for a player?

The term 'franchise tag' refers to a designation that NFL teams can use to retain a player who is set to become a free agent. When a player is given a franchise tag, it means they are offered a one-year contract that guarantees a specific salary, typically based on the average of the top contracts at the player's position or a percentage increase from the previous year's salary. This allows teams to hold onto key players temporarily while negotiating a long-term deal or until the player explores free agency.

In this context, the franchise tag serves as a way for teams to maintain control over a player they value highly without committing to a long-term contract right away. While it does provide the player with financial security for that season, it does not guarantee a long-term commitment from the team or the flexibility to negotiate as freely as a player who is not tagged.

The other options misrepresent the nature of the franchise tag. It is not a long-term contract or an exemption from trades, nor does it inherently reduce a player's responsibilities, but rather it centers around the retention of a player for a limited timeframe.