What is the value of a first-round restricted free agent tender?

The value of a first-round restricted free agent tender is approximately $6.822 million. This amount is set each year based on the average of the top salaries at the player's position, reflecting the investment teams must make when identifying and retaining players deemed key contributors. When a team offers this tender, it means they are willing to protect the player from other teams signing him away, while ensuring that if someone does sign the player, they will receive compensation in the form of draft picks.

The first-round tender is particularly significant as it indicates the highest level of value for a restricted free agent, and it signals the team's belief in the player's potential and worth. The annual adjustment of these figures indicates the dynamic nature of player compensation in the NFL, influenced by market trends, salary cap fluctuations, and collective bargaining outcomes. This also ensures that any potential offers from other teams need to match or exceed this level if the current team is to receive the appropriate compensation reflexive of the player's standing.