Which of the following is a key benefit for a team when using an exclusive franchise tag?

When a team uses an exclusive franchise tag on a player, one of the primary benefits is that the team can retain the player and prevent them from entering free agency. This tag ensures that the player cannot negotiate with other teams, effectively securing their services for at least one more season. This is particularly valuable for teams looking to maintain core talent and continuity on their roster, as it gives them the ability to prevent key players from exploring opportunities elsewhere.

The exclusive franchise tag usually comes with a guaranteed salary based on the average of the top five salaries at the position, which can be beneficial for both the team and the player, but the most crucial aspect is the team's control over the player's contract situation and their avoidance of losing a valuable asset to free agency.