The franchise tag is typically a rough deal for NFL stars seeking the financial stability of a long-term contract. It’s even worse in 2024.
The league’s salary cap exploded by a record 13 percent, clocking in at more than $255 million for the upcoming season. That’s going to lead to a booming market of player contracts — except for those who are franchise tagged and playing on a pay scale based on deals signed well before this pivotal offseason.
It began February 23 when reports broke the Cincinnati Bengals would be franchising star wideout Tee Higgins for the upcoming season. It was a common sense move that allows the team extra time to work out a contract without having to worry about competing offers on the table.
Bengals have informed WR Tee Higgins they are franchising him. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/YUl2Ni62SJ
— NFL (@NFL) February 24, 2024
If no extension can be reached, Cincinnati at least has the comfort of knowing it has Higgins for one more season. The same goes for the teams and players that followed as the league’s March 5 deadline looms. Here’s who has been franchise tagged for the 2024 NFL season.