Names and teams to watch during the franchise tag window
The franchise tag window officially opened on February 23rd. In case you aren’t aware of what the franchise tag is, it is a designation which every team can use on a player which locks him into a one year deal with his team, and would cost the team a predetermined amount that differs from position to position. The franchise tag is both loved and hated around the league. Teams will typically use the tag if they are unable to come to a long term deal with the player they designate it for. For example, last season Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys were unable to come to an agreement on a long term deal, therefore the Cowboys put the franchise tag on him, paying him a large sum of money while not giving him the opportunity to seek out a long term deal with another team. So since the window has opened we will look at some team and players you should watch over the next couple weeks.
The first player to watch is the quarterback we’ve already mentioned, Dak Prescott. Dak and the Cowboys have reportedly been working towards a long term deal but many around the league and in the media are expecting them to franchise tag Dak for the second year in a row. Considering the Cowboys went 4-7 without Dak last season after he went down with injury, it makes sense that they would want him back. If Dallas were to tag him again they would take a cap hit of about $37.7 million.
Next is a few receivers that are free agents this season. Will Fuller, Chris Godwin, and Kenny Golladay are all set to test the market this offseason and all their teams would likely want them back. All three would cost their teams roughly $16.4 million against the cap, and for some, it would be worth it. Godwin has recently stated that he wants to stay in Tampa but he would like to get paid too, when asked if he would prefer a contract extension rather than the tag. Tampa would probably prefer to extend him too, considering Jason Licht, their GM, has recently stated that he has talked with Tom Brady about an extension, thus freeing up cap space for this upcoming season. This cap space could be used for other impending free agents, but it would make sense for Tampa to extend their number 2 receiver right now. The other two guys were integral to their team and with a lot changing this offseason, having a guy you can count on is valuable.
On to the Tight ends. Two names that stand out are Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Hunter on one hand has said that he wants to play on a team with a “good quarterback.” This is quite strange considering Justin Herbert just won Offensive Rookie of the Year, its safe to say that most would consider him a good quarterback. And on the other hand, the Titans and Jonnu Smith have a good relationship and both parties would likely be willing to reunite. Jonnu has played well for the Titans and has filled a large hole left by Delanie Walker. However, the Titans have some depth at Tight end and they would likely be willing to go without dishing out nearly $13 million for someone that could be easily replaced.
Lastly, we will touch on running back. The big name that has been going around is Aaron Jones. He has played a big part for Green Bay and also fantasy teams across the country. He would cost a mere $11 million for Green Bay to bring him back on the tag. It would certainly not be in Jones’ interest to get the tag placed on him because he could definitely pull more than $15 million on the open market.
The franchise tag has been a big part of recent offseasons. From Leveon Bell getting placed on the tag and holding out the entire season because of it, to Kirk Cousins getting placed on the tag two years in a row. The tag window is a big part of the NFL offseason, and is especially important this year because of the reduced cap limit.