Although many starters will be tagged before the deadline on March 5, there still could be big names that hit the market and test free agency on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. The legal tampering period for unrestricted free agents officially begins on March 11 at noon ET. and the deadline for the franchise tag opened up two days ago on February 20.
The Franchise Tag In The NFL
Here are the numbers for the franchise tag for the new league year by position, according to Over the Cap, and the players that could get tagged before free agency opens up. According to Spotrac, players like Danielle Hunter can’t be tagged so he is not eligible for this list due to their contract.
The three tender options include the most common non-exclusive franchise tag, the not-as-common exclusive franchise tag, and the rare transition tag. Listed below are key positions on defense that have the most talent potentially entering the free-agent market.
Potential offensive free-agent tag candidates were mentioned in a previous article. While a few defensive stars at the top will get tagged, there are still plenty of spot starters and contributors or role players with upside.
1. Franchise Tag Position: DE- $20,205,000
After a record-breaking year, Jaguar’s Josh Allen likely will stay in Jacksonville on a franchise tag looking for a huge payday. But a few other starting caliber pass rushers off the edge could hit the market.
One is Hunter on the Vikings, who also had his best year, but Minnesota has Kirk Cousins to deal with. This is an interesting situation brewing with the veteran edge rusher but his chances of hitting the market could be higher than some of the younger guys.
In a down year, above-average production was still achieved by Brian Burns. A tag-and-trade scenario could play out if a multi-year deal isn’t reached. Back in 2022, the Panthers turned down a massive deal from the Rams allegedly so it will get ugly if he is tagged again for this situation to play out for a second straight year.
Although the 49ers didn’t win the Super Bowl with Chase Young, the young pass rusher will likely test free agency after he was traded from the Commanders mid-season last year. His sack numbers aren’t special but on the field, Young was a consistent disruptor when healthy.
Bryce Huff will likely be a full-time player elsewhere out of New York and Jonathan Greenard will likely stay in Houston after a breakout season. Last season, Leonard Floyd, Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy, and Za’Darius Smith demonstrated their ability to perform and potentially remain with their teams if they go undervalued in free agency.
2. Franchise Tag Position: DT- $20,943,000
The Chiefs will have to somehow keep both Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, but ultimately, I don’t see how either leave Kansas City when they just won a Super Bowl.
The Ravens should do everything they can to keep Justin Madubuike, who had a breakout season. You could say something similar with Christian Wilkins and the Dolphins.
Leonard Williams is a pending free agent for the first time despite his age. The former Giant was tagged twice before getting traded to the Seahawks last year. Veterans D.J. Reader, Grover Stewart, and Denico Autry can provide good value still. Despite not breaking out with the 49ers, Javon Kinlaw could be a coveted player due to his age and the potential he still possesses.
3. Franchise Tag Position: LB- $22,748,000
If I were to bet on where Patrick Queen will land, it would be with his former Ravens defensive coordinator. Mike Macdonald is now the head coach of the Seahawks, so it makes sense with their need. Baltimore will likely let him walk, as they drafted Trenton Simpson last year to eventually pair with Roquan Smith.
Veterans Lavonte David, Bobby Wagner, and Frankie Luvu could be starters elsewhere. Isaiah Simmons, Devin White, Kenneth Murray, Jordyn Brooks, and Willie Gay Jr. could be high-upside starters for new teams.
4. Franchise Tag Position: CB- $18,762,000
The cornerback position in free agency lacks depth unless the Chiefs somehow do not retain Sneed. However, the Chicago Bears will likely tag or re-sign Jaylon Johnson, a high-upside starter in his prime.
Veterans like Chidobe Awuzie, Stephon Gilmore, and Kendall Fuller bring experience and versatility, for the most part. Kenny Moore, who is primarily a slot corner, will likely test free agency for the first time despite his age.
This draft could be corner-heavy due to the need for many teams and depth, similar to wide receiver.
Final Position: S- $16,224,000
The Bucs will likely use their franchise tag on Antoine Winfield Jr. even with their other pending free agents.
That would leave safeties like Kamren Curl, Xavier McKinney, Kyle Dugger, Julian Blackmon, and Geno Stone potentially on the market. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, coming off injury, will likely be on his fourth team after signing with the Lions last offseason.
Like cornerback, safeties that can start full-time are few and far between. Most are either veterans or specific role players limited by the scheme. The Bears recently cut veteran Eddie Jackson as a cap casualty.
For free agency, it looks like more talented players will hit the market on offense compared to defense. More defensive players will get a franchise tag, making this offseason intriguing if the teams don’t bring certain players back.
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