The clock is ticking for the four remaining franchise-tagged players to strike multiyear contract commitments from their respective teams before Monday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Without new deals, tight end Evan Engram and running backs Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard would have to play on one-year franchise tags and wouldn’t be allowed to negotiate contract extensions until after the 2023 season. From this group, only Pollard has signed his franchise-tagged contract, but he’s still allowed to negotiate a long-term contract before Monday’s deadline.
Six players were initially tagged in March, but quarterback Lamar Jackson and defensive tackle Daron Payne signed lucrative extensions this offseason. A few more players could possibly ditch the franchise tag ahead of Monday’s deadline, but it won’t be easy for the running backs.
