The late February to early March portion of the NFL calendar can be a strange one. Much like the peculiarity of the second month of the year ending after its 28th day, this time in pro football weirdly comes and goes just as fast.
That’s because it’s the annual franchise tag window, which conveniently takes place right before the sheer madness of free agency. The franchise tag window, of course, features the great players teams like, but they don’t want to commit too much security to them yet.
It’s not you, it’s me… oh, you get the whole deal.
This year’s field of players who could get the very exclusive franchise tag slapped on is a doozy. It’s a showcase of a few bona fide stars, cornerstones whose best days might be behind them, and upside players from which you probably want to see a little more consistent production.
And remember: Everyone only gets one.
Here’s a list of the players who have gotten the tag thus far — with all contract data per Over The Cap — as another wild NFL acquisition period is set to blow up over the next couple of weeks.
Daron Payne, Washington Commanders
Tag value: $18,937,000
A former first-round pick out of Alabama, Daron Payne probably always had the ability to be an NFL difference-maker. But it wasn’t until 2022 that the defensive tackle actually played like a superstar.
The numbers are staggering.
While playing over 86 percent of the Washington Commanders’ defensive snaps as a listed 320-pound man (third on the team), Payne amassed 20 QB hits, 18 tackles-for-loss, and 11.5 sacks. Oh, and he started all 17 games. Payne was an absolute tornado in Washington’s defensive interior.
But with just over $17 million in cap space, the Commanders weren’t yet in a position to give Payne the compensation and term he was probably seeking. That’s especially considering that valuable edge rusher Montez Sweat is also due for a new deal. As such, Payne became the first NFL player this offseason to receive the franchise tag. With tags being an average of the top five of a respective position, he’ll earn an $18.9 million salary in 2023:
Washington DT Daron Payne became the first player this off-season to receive the franchise tag, per sources. The franchise tag for Payne is projected to be $18.937 million. Washington placed the tag on Payne early this morning. pic.twitter.com/cmbeaRciig
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2023
For Payne, provided he stays healthy, this is a relatively optimal situation. As long as he gets to play next to fellow interior disruptors Jonathan Allen and Sweat, he has more freedom to wreak havoc.
There’s an old pro football adage about the “Rule of Three” on defense. Every stifling defense has at least three powerful pass rushers. Between Payne, Allen, and Sweat — the label certainly applies to Washington. The other two might even help Payne eventually get the extended handsome contract he wants.
Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tag value: $11,345,000
Engram signed a one-year “prove it” deal with the Jags last spring, then came through as a valuable piece of Trevor Lawrence’s offense. The former first round pick set career highs in both receptions (73) and receiving yards (766) while limiting the drops that plagued him late in his career as a New York Giant.
That made him a priority in Jacksonville, even if he may not be fully inside head coach Doug Pederson’s circle of trust just yet. The Jaguars opted to run it back via the franchise tag, which will give the club time to work out a potential contract extension or provide another chance for Engram to prove he can be a viable threat in the passing game.
Jaguars are expected to place the franchise tag on TE Evan Engram, per source. The tight end franchise tag is $11.345 million.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2023
While he may be more of a big slot receiver than a true blocking tight end, his value is clear. Now he’ll get the chance to prove himself once more with a leveled-up Lawrence and a receiving corps awaiting Calvin Ridley’s return from an indefinite suspension related to gambling on NFL games back in 2020.
Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Tag value: $10.09 million
There was a time when Pollard seemed set to break the bank during this year’s free agency period. In a breakout year with Dallas, the multipurpose back recorded over 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns (nine rushing, three receiving). Aside from CeeDee Lamb, Pollard was inarguably the Cowboys’ best method of offense.
Then everything changed on an unfortunate stroke of luck. After the 25-year-old tailback broke his leg and suffered a high-ankle sprain in Dallas’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, it was hard to see Pollard getting a long-term commitment.
Instead, Pollard gets the tag and another season — this time as one of the league’s highest-paid RBs — to prove he wasn’t a one-year wonder.
Cowboys now have placed their franchise tag on RB Tony Pollard, per source. RB franchise tag is $10.09 million.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2023
Provided Pollard makes a full recovery, he’ll likely remain a focal point in Mike McCarthy’s offense. Players with his versatile, explosive skill set don’t simply vanish into thin air. And by this time next year, either the Cowboys will pay up for his services or someone else will.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Tag value: $10.09 million
Jacobs was a player who began his 2022 on strange terms. With Josh McDaniels becoming the Raiders’ coach, it wasn’t apparent who’d be in Las Vegas’ future plans — Jacobs included.
But then Jacobs led the NFL in rushing at 1,653 yards. Oh, and he scored 12 touchdowns, averaged almost five yards a carry, and caught 53 passes for 400 yards. Yeah, regardless of whether the Raiders want to give Jacobs a Brinks truck of cash over a more extended period, there was simply no way they’d let him walk.
Source: The #Raiders have officially franchise tagged RB Josh Jacobs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
With Derek Carr officially gone to New Orleans, the Raiders don’t have a bona fide starting quarterback in place. However, that doesn’t cast doubt on whether Jacobs can replicate his performance in 2023. Opposing defenses knew Las Vegas would lean on his power almost excessively, and it still didn’t matter. At a certain point, the Raiders will likely have to commit to Jacobs in a stronger fashion. Remember: He’s still just 25.
Something tells us they won’t (or at least they shouldn’t) mind.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Tag value: $32.41 million
It was bound to happen. Jackson wanted a massive, fully guaranteed contract. The Ravens had no interest in giving him one. Now he’s been franchise tagged — but under the non-exclusive label, which means other teams will be able to make offers in hopes of luring him from Baltimore.
The Baltimore #Ravens have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, according to league sources. Jackson will receive $32.41 million if he remains on the tag in 2023 with Baltimore, but will be free to negotiate a contract with other NFL teams.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 7, 2023
The non-exclusive tag means the Ravens can recoup some value should the 26-year-old former MVP receive an offer Baltimore is unwilling to match. The cost of signing away Jackson is two first round picks, per tag rules. That’s not great value in a league where the 49ers dealt away three picks for the chance to draft Trey Lance and Russell Wilson was moved for two firsts, two seconds and a bevy of veteran players, but it’s better than nothing.
The question now is which teams will come calling for the playmaking quarterback who has struggled with injury each of the last two seasons. One obvious fit, the Atlanta Falcons, reportedly aren’t interested.
The Atlanta Falcons will not be pursuing QB Lamar Jackson, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 7, 2023
The New Orleans Saints, already pressed up against salary cap constraints, already found their man in Derek Carr. The New York Jets are moving toward Aaron Rodgers. The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans may be loathe to move top five draft picks in what promises to be a solid crop of young, inexpensive quarterbacks.
The Washington Commanders could settle on Jackson as the quarterback capable of making all Dan Snyder’s headaches go away (he’s not, but that’s not due to a lack of talent and instead because Snyder is a human disaster who should not be allowed to interact with others). The Carolina Panthers badly need a reset behind center. The Tennessee Titans are bracing for a new era after cutting several veterans and reportedly putting Derrick Henry on the trading block.
The Ravens will now be listening. Jackson’s future depends on his suitors, their offers and whether Baltimore is willing to match.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Tag value: $10.09 million
All the signs this offseason pointed to one of Barkley and Daniel Jones being franchise tagged after the Giants’ surprising playoff run. When Jones and the team came to terms on a last-second extension, that distinction fell to the Pro Bowl tailback.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Giants applying non-exclusive franchise tag to RB Saquon Barkley, per @MikeGarafolohttps://t.co/NdXxJZv4DN pic.twitter.com/rsox1LVV5y
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 7, 2023
Using the franchise tag buys time to work out an extension and, barring that, insulates New York in case of another injury. Barkley has had three very good seasons in his five years as a pro, with the two misses resulting from a torn ACL in 2020 and its lingering effects.
The question now is how this will affect the Giants’ 2023 salary cap. New York came into the year with roughly $33 million to spend, but Barkley’s franchise tag automatically takes off about a third of that. Jones’ deal, which reportedly averages $40 million annually, will take up another chunk. How much spending room will be left over to add receiving help to counterbalance the team’s run-heavy offense? How much can go to defensive upgrades?
Tagging Barkley was a logical decision to keep the Giants’ momentum going. New York can’t stop there.
