NFL Franchise Tag Tracker: Final deadline for extensions quickly approaches
Four NFL teams still need to reach a decision prior to the July 17th's deadline for franchise players to sign a multi-year contract extension. Only six players received a franchise tag this offseason with three of them yet to sign it. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (Washington Commanders) have already […]
Four NFL teams still need to reach a decision prior to the July 17th's deadline for franchise players to sign a multi-year contract extension.
Only six players received a franchise tag this offseason with three of them yet to sign it. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (Washington Commanders) have already reached contract extensions after having received the tag earlier in the year.
Below are the teams who have yet to receive a contract extension but are set to play under the tag during the 2023 NFL season.
Franchise tag players yet to sign a multi-year extension
Dallas Cowboys: RB Tony Pollard
Tag Status: Signed
Having moved on from Ezekiel Elliott, many would've expected the Cowboys to reach a long-term extension with the rising Pollard. However, the fifth-year player suffered a significant ankle injury in the team's playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which could be deterring the front office from a big commitment.
Conversely, this will be Pollard's first year being the team's "top dog" at running back. He has a chance to raise his stock significantly with a big year and what will likely be his first NFL season with over 200 carries. In the meantime, he'll earn $10.09 million.
Prediction: No deal, plays under the tag.
Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Evan Engram
UPDATED: Engram signed a three-year deal worth $41.25M.
Doug Pederson loves his tight ends. But the Jaguars are taking the short-term approach with Engram, here. The latter is the perfect fit for Pederson's offense and will likely have another big year catching passes from Trevor Lawrence.
After a disappointing year for tight end market value, Engram will likely remain patient and play under his $11.35 million tag.
Las Vegas Raiders: RB Josh Jacobs
Tag Status: Unsigned
After earning his first career First-Team All-Pro honors, Jacobs is the perfect example of how a declining running back market seems as unfair as it's ever been. Not even a 1,653 rushing yards season with 12 touchdowns will guarantee you a big deal in the NFL.
I'm not saying teams are wrong for valuing the position less and less. After all, a quick look at the data shows why they're doing it. But it still feels pretty unfair. The Raiders will have one of the best running backs in the league for just $10.09 million. With only $2.7 million in cap space, an extension could open things up for 2023.
Prediction: No deal, plays under the tag.
New York Giants: RB Saquon Barkley
Tag Status: Unsigned
Fresh off of a career-high 1,312 rushing yard season, the two-time Pro Bowl running back is also set to play under the franchise tag.
The Giants have the fourth-lowest salary cap space and could use the relief from a long-term extension. But do they want to fall under the same trap many teams have before them by guaranteeing the big-name player a ton of money?
Prediction: No deal, plays under the tag.
Tagged players already extended
Baltimore Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson
Contract: 5 years, $260 million
Washington Commanders: DT Daron Payne
Contract: 4 years, $90 million
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Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
