The Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror, so it’s now time to start the second half of the (yes, very full) NFL calendar — the offseason!
(Trumpets blare, a triumphant bass provides a not-so-subtle underscore.)
First up, before we even have a chance to diagnose the chaos of next month’s free agency period, we have to examine the franchise tag status for a number of the league’s bigger names. No one wants to use a tag, per se — players who are ready for the open market, especially — but it is a backup tool to keep quality talent around for at least another year.
As a reminder, franchise tags are determined by the average of the top-five salaries at a player’s positional designation. Every NFL team also only gets one per offseason, and they are strictly on a one-year basis. Per Over The Cap’s current projections (they could always change), the current franchise tag salaries are as follows:
Offense:
- Quarterbacks: $35.9 million
- Offensive linemen: $21.7 million
- Receivers: $21.6 million
- Running backs: $12.4 million
- Tight ends: $12.3 million
Defense:
- Defensive ends: $23.3 million
- Linebackers: $21.9 million
- Defensive tackles: $19.7 million
- Cornerbacks: $18.4 million
- Safeties: $17.2 million
Let’s break down the most notable potential franchise tag situations around the league and determine which field tilters have a chance at actually hitting free agency. The deadline is March 5 at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
No pressure, everyone!
All cap and salary numbers are per Over The Cap.