What happens when a non-exclusive tag offer is not matched by the club?

When a non-exclusive franchise tag offer is not matched by the original club, the player is indeed free to negotiate with any team. This means the player can explore options and potentially sign with different franchises without the constraints of being tied to the original club.

While the club that made the offer typically has the right to receive compensation in the form of draft picks if the player signs a deal, the specifics of that compensation hinge on whether the offer is matched or not. In the case of a non-exclusive tag, if the original team does not match the offer, they do not have to give up two first-round picks; instead, the team that signs the player only needs to provide compensation if they have the resources to do so.

This context clarifies why the answer aligns with the mechanic of a non-exclusive tag, allowing for players’ freedom of movement in negotiations. The options surrounding the implications of not matching a non-exclusive tag establish that the player gains autonomy in their career trajectory.