The NFL’s deadline for restricting player movement with the franchise tag was yesterday. Six teams took advantage of the tag.
Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
Franchise tag salary: $18.937 million
Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Franchise tag salary: $10.091 million
Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Franchise tag salary: $11.345 million
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Franchise tag salary: $10.091 million
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
Franchise tag salary: $10.091 million
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Franchise tag salary: $32.416 million
Lamar Jackson receiving the non-exclusive tag, as did the other five, was the biggest surprise. On paper, the 26-year old, former MVP is available to the rest of the league. All a team has to give is a huge contract and two first-round picks. That feels like a bargain for a 26-year old, former MVP. The funny thing about the situation is that soon after the tagging deadline teams started announcing that they aren’t interested in pursuing Jackson. Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, and Las Vegas Raiders revealed that they won’t be part of the chase for the 26-year old, former MVP. Very strange. Those teams can always change their mind. Anyway, I don’t think that the move is as risky for the Ravens as many have made it out to be. The Ravens have the option to match any offer a team makes to Jackson. In the 30 years of free agency and the franchise tag, it’s been quite rare for a tagged player to switch teams. But Lamar Jackson is a 26-year old, former MVP quarterback.
The New York Giants had a busy, very productive day. They took it to the deadline but they managed to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to an extension. That allowed them to use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley. Since the end of the season, it looked like the Giants would only be able to keep one of the two. In the end, they were able to keep both of their offensive leaders.
Half of the franchise tags went to running backs.
Other than Lamar Jackson receiving the non-exclusive franchise tag, the surprise of tagging time was a player that didn’t get tagged. The Kansas City Chiefs decided not to tag left tackle Orlando Brown for a second consecutive season. Team and player still have a few days to come to an agreement before unrestricted free agency but it looks like the Chiefs might be in the market for a new blind-side protector for Patrick Mahomes. A top left tackle might be available to the rest of the league. I can see the Chicago Bears being first in line to take advantage.
Next up on the league calendar, legal tampering.
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