One of many first steps within the upcoming NFL offseason is making franchise tag predictions for 2024.
The franchise tag window this offseason runs from February 20 to March 5. Throughout that point, groups determine whether or not or to not place the franchise tag on a participant who’s scheduled to be a free agent to maintain them for the 2024 season.
Predicting Which NFL Groups Will Use the Franchise Tag in 2024
When you’re confused, don’t fear, most followers want the franchise tag explained. It’s only one a part of the salary cap rules that may typically complicate the NFL offseason.
The underside line is that through the use of the franchise tag on a participant, that participant will stay with their present crew in 2024 somewhat than change into a free agent. In different phrases, star gamers are often those who get tagged, which is why franchise tag predictions in 2024 will probably be fascinating to watch. With that in thoughts, right here is our guess at what groups use the franchise tag and what gamers will probably be tagged.
Bengals – Tee Higgins
The Bengals have a tricky name to make with Tee Higgins. He in all probability received’t signal a long-term deal to remain in Cincinnati if he can find a team that can make him the focus of the offense somewhat than a complementary piece to Ja’Marr Chase.
Utilizing the franchise tag would price the Bengals over $20 million. Nevertheless, Cincinnati is without doubt one of the few teams with cap space accessible to pay a franchise participant that a lot.
By conserving Higgins yet another season, the Bengals might guess on Joe Burrow staying wholesome in 2024 and utilizing the Chase-Higgins tandem to hold the crew to the Tremendous Bowl. It’s a danger, however one which is likely to be price taking for a crew that clearly has championship aspirations.
Jaguars – Josh Allen
One of many most secure franchise tag predictions in 2024 is Jacksonville tagging Josh Allen if he can’t be signed to a long-term extension earlier than the March 5 deadline. Allen simply set a franchise document with 17.5 sacks in 2023 and could be among the many greatest free brokers on the open market.
To stop that from taking place, the Jags is likely to be determined sufficient to make use of the franchise tag. From Jacksonville’s perspective, the Jags have their franchise quarterback however nonetheless want a participant like Allen to anchor the protection. That explains why Jacksonville might need no selection however to make use of the tag to maintain Allen.
Panthers – Brian Burns
Much like Allen, Brian Burns could be among the finest free brokers on the open market this spring. He’ll solely be 26 firstly of the 2024 season and is coming off back-to-back Professional Bowl alternatives. In different phrases, Burns is simply now coming into his prime and has began to ascertain himself as a top-tier cross rusher. He desperately desires to hit the open market and signal a giant contract.
After all, that’s precisely why the Panthers would use the franchise tag on him. That may purchase Carolina one other 12 months to show to Burns that he ought to stick with the Panthers. Clearly, that’s a tricky argument to make after a 2-15 marketing campaign, which is why the Panthers want extra time to promote Burns on the concept of staying in Carolina long-term.
Buccaneers – Antoine Winfield
The Bucs have just a few completely different franchise tag candidates, together with quarterback Baker Mayfield and huge receiver Mike Evans. Nevertheless, security Antoine Winfield is more likely to be the selection if Tampa makes use of the franchise tag.
For starters, a security received’t price as a lot on the franchise tag as a quarterback or huge receiver. Winfield can also be youthful and a key cog on the Tampa protection. Two years in the past, the Buccaneers used the franchise tag on Chris Godwin (for the second straight 12 months) and shortly signed him to a long-term deal. They wouldn’t thoughts utilizing the identical tactic with Winfield to forestall him from hitting the open market.
Dolphins – Christian Wilkins
Cash-wise, it’d be laborious for Miami to make use of the franchise tag on Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins are already greater than $50 million over the wage cap. But, his significance to the Miami protection might assist to negate how foolish utilizing the franchise tag could be financially.
The Dolphins could be promising Wilkins almost $20 million in 2024, placing them in even deeper monetary bother. Nevertheless, after discussing an extension with Wilkins final offseason, giving him the franchise tag would make sense for the Dolphins in the event that they assume they’ll comply with a long-term take care of a little bit extra time to barter. However, this will probably be a tricky name for Miami.
Ravens – Justin Madubuike
The rumor mill is indicating strongly that Baltimore will use the franchise tag on Justin Madubuike, which isn’t in the least shocking. Much like Allen and Burns, he’s a superb cross rusher, accumulating 13 sacks in 2023.
Which means Madubuike will probably be an apparent goal for a number of groups in free company. The Ravens don’t wish to compete with others ought to Madubuike attain the open market. Given his significance to the Baltimore protection this previous season, it is smart for the Ravens to make use of the franchise tag on Madubuike if the 2 sides don’t have a long-term settlement by March 5.
Giants – Saquon Barkley
The Giants used the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley final offseason to maintain him from changing into a free agent. Utilizing the franchise tag on Barkley once more would price the G-Males extra money.
Understand that Barkley is a 12 months previous and didn’t match his 2022 numbers this previous season. After all, the Giants understand how good Barkley is when he’s at his greatest. Additionally they have an apparent curiosity in conserving him in New York. The franchise tag might not be the plain approach to do this, though it’s actually on the desk.
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