Franchise tagging in the NFL is a pivotal maneuver, allowing teams to retain key players or buy time for negotiations. As the 2024 offseason gears up, decisions loom large for all 32 franchises. The franchise tag window opens on February 20, kickstarting the process of designating players for the tag or transition tag, influencing cap management across the league.
Teams vary in their approach; some swiftly tag players, aiming for long-term extensions before free agency commences, while others deliberate until the final moments, assessing the value of unrestricted free agents. Last season, six players received the franchise tag, amounting to nearly 19% of the league, with outcomes ranging from long-term deals to year-long tag usage.
Below, CBS Sports contributor Joel Corry provides projected tag salaries for each position, guided by a projected 2024 salary cap of $242.5 million:
- Quarterback: $36,367,000
- Linebacker: $22,794,000
- Defensive tackle: $20,986,000
- Wide receiver: $20,714,000
- Defensive end: $20,247,000
- Offensive line: $19,925,000
- Cornerback: $18,802,000
- Safety: $16,258,000
- Tight end: $12,051,000
- Running back: $11,348,000
- Kicker/punter: $5,682,000
Now, let’s explore potential franchise tag candidates for each team:
- Arizona Cardinals: None
- Atlanta Falcons: None
- Baltimore Ravens: Justin Madubuike
- Buffalo Bills: None
- Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns
- Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson
- Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins
- Cleveland Browns: None
- Dallas Cowboys: Tony Pollard
- Denver Broncos: None
- Detroit Lions: None
- Green Bay Packers: None
- Houston Texans: Dalton Schultz
- Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen
- Kansas City Chiefs: L’Jarius Sneed
- Las Vegas Raiders: None
- Los Angeles Chargers: Austin Ekeler
- Los Angeles Rams: None
- Miami Dolphins: Christian Wilkins
- Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins
- New England Patriots: None
- New Orleans Saints: None
- New York Giants: Saquon Barkley
- New York Jets: None
- Philadelphia Eagles: None
- Pittsburgh Steelers: None
- San Francisco 49ers: None
- Seattle Seahawks: Leonard Williams
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans
- Tennessee Titans: None
- Washington Commanders: None
Each team faces unique circumstances, balancing player value, salary cap constraints, and long-term goals. The franchise tag serves as a tool to secure pivotal assets or facilitate ongoing negotiations, shaping rosters for the forthcoming season.
