The Dallas Cowboys have until March 8th to use the franchise tag on a free agent, if they decide to do so. They have used the tag eight times in the previous 20 seasons, most recently with Dak Prescott.

Essentially, the franchise tag is a failsafe. Teams typically use it buy more time in hopes of working out a deal. Or, to secure an unrestricted free agent from testing the market during that particular offseason.

However, even though it secures the player for another year, it's never the desired first option. The front office doesn’t want to use the tag because it represents a huge cap figure  for that one year. Players don’t like it because they don’t have the financial security beyond that one year, which leaves their future in question.

These tags are set by position, based on the average of the top five salaries of each position from the previous year.

For the upcoming season, a small handful of players have been mentioned as possible tag candidates. The Dallas Cowboys are notorious for re-signing their own free agents, as well as short-changing their own, based on contract value and how they value that certain player's position.

So, which Cowboys could potentially play under the franchise tag in 2022?

*All franchise tag figures are courtesy of OverTheCap.com unless noted otherwise.

Randy Gregory

Tag: $20,186,000

Of all the players on this list, Randy Gregory is the most likely to be on the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. Aside from Micah Parsons, Gregory is this team's best pass rusher. Something that was on full display this past season.

He also might be the player who makes the least amount of sense to tag. Not only would the franchise tag hit the cap higher than what an extension would, but the team is already looking to get rid of some money from another expensive edge rusher on the team.

Unless the Cowboys are afraid contract talks will only get worse, a tag could happen. With Randy Gregory finally showing who he is as a player in a full season, and his desire to stay in Dallas evident, a tag here seems doubtful.

Michael Gallup

Tag: $19,127,000

Dez Bryant. Amari Cooper. The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to tagging high-value free agent receivers. Especially when giving him a deal is likely going to cost less.

Michael Gallup and Dak Prescott have a relationship that extends beyond the football field. Not only as teammates, but as men who've experienced a loss in the family from taking their own lives.

Also similar to Dak, his true value to this team was exposed with him being injured. The offense missed their best downfield threat, as well as their best 1-on-1 playmaker.

At the start of the season, Michael Gallup looked like he was in the area of around $15-$17 million per year. However due to his injuries, his current value is estimated around $11 million/year.

Not only has this saved the Cowboys money to bring him back, it also creates perspective of using the tag on him as opposed to a long-term deal.

Dalton Schultz

Tag: $10,834,000

Realistically, Schultz would be the most likely option. The issue is dependent on how much the Dallas Cowboys value their no. 1 tight end.

Dalton Schultz is Dak Prescott's security blanket, after having turned his career around the past two seasons. Going from the teams TE3, primarily used as a run-blocker and on short-yardage plays, to the clear top option.

However, despite his connection with Prescott, there might be too many circumstances that lead to him playing elsewhere.

• This year's draft class is blessed with great tight ends.
• The Cowboys are looking to save cap space where they can.
• Blake Jarwin is also currently under contract.
• As it stands, the going rate for top tight ends is between $10-$13 million per year.

The chemistry he has with his quarterback might be what keeps him around. Which likely means the franchise tag is the only way he stays

Jayron Kearse

Tag: $13,544,000

Without a doubt, the surprise of the season is Kearse. Under Dan Quinn, Kearse has found a home, playing like a Pro Bowler in the team's "Big Nickle" scheme at the STAR position.

Not quite a safety. Not quite a linebacker. Just perfect for Kearse.

If anyone has earned more money opposed to what they made the previous year, Jayron Kearse would be it. He stands to go from $1,127,500 in 2021 to around $6-$9 million per year, according to Over The Cap.

Three of the best defenders on the Cowboys were Micah Parsons, Randy Gregory and Kearse. In a year, where the team is ready to compete for a championship, bringing back Kearse needs to be one of Dallas' priorities. Especially knowing what he'll cost.

Bryan Anger

Tag: $5,469,000

Bryan Anger is undoubtedly the cheapest option when it comes to tagging a free agent. As a punter, there isn't always a respect for the position until you have a great one.

Anger finished the year as an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, his best season of his career. Just on principle, it would warrant more money earned.

Even with John Fassel helping the team play great special teams, I wonder if the Dallas Cowboys wouldn't rather just pay him more money than the $1.2 million he's earned.

Of course, the used the tag on Dan Bailey once before. So really, who knows?

Featured image via-Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports