Ahead of free agency, teams have some tough decisions to make this week.
The two-week NFL franchise tag window begins Tuesday and will continue until 4 p.m. March 5.
All 32 teams can tag one player who will be an unrestricted free agent March 13, which is the start of the new league year.
Franchise tag contracts are based on the top five annual salaries every position. Every time a team tags a player, the price goes up. But by placing the franchise tag on a player, a team can figure out if its better to extend that player or just pay the one-year hefty price.
A year ago, six players received the franchise tag. That included 2023 NFL MVP Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who eventually signed a five-year, $260 million last May.
Who are top franchise tag candidates this offseason?
Panthers linebacker Brian Burns
For years, the Panthers have known they needed to sign Burns to a long-term deal. Time has almost run out, which is why Carolina will likely place the franchise tag on the two-time Pro Bowler.
The Panthers were the worst team in the league in 2023 after finishing 2-15. However, Burns continued to play at a high level. He finished with 50 tackles, eight sacks, 40 pressures, and 18 quarterback hits.
Spotrac projects the franchise tag for linebackers will cost to cost $22.8 million. With Ejiro Evero returning as defensive coordinator in 2024, the Panthers would be wise to lock up Burns, who is one of the more underrated pass rushers in the NFL.
By placing the tag on him, Carolina also wouldn’t run the risk of losing Burns while continuing negotiations.
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins
Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters, “We all want” Higgins back.
With a healthy Burrow, Cincinnati should be a contender to win the AFC in 2024. That’s why it makes sense for the Bengals to place the franchise tag on Higgins.
He is coming off a career-low in receptions (42), yards (656), and touchdowns (five). But it is worth noting Higgins played in just 12 games. Spotrac currently projects the franchise tag for wide receivers to cost $20.7 million.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley
The Giants put the franchise tag on Barkley last offseason. Would Big Blue do it again?
Barkley was the best player on a Giants offense that finished 29th in yards (280) and 30th in points (15.6). He rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. He also caught 41 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns.
My guess is Barkley returns to the Giants on a team-friendly deal. However, the 27-year-old will test his value in free agency. Because he received the franchise tag last year, placing it on Barkley again would cost the Giants around $12 million.
Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
The best friend of a young quarterback is a dynamic wide receiver. Which is why the Colts would be wise to keep Pittman in Indianapolis. Not only is Pittman coming off a career year, but he is one of the best playmakers in the league.
Pittman registered 109 catches for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns last season. In 2022, he finished with 99 receptions for 925 yards and four touchdowns.
The Colts selected Anthony Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Wide receivers like Pittman don’t grow on trees. That’s why the Colts have to keep Pittman even if they have to use the $20.7 million franchise tag to do it.
Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen
Allen was one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in 2023. He finished with 66 tackles and a Jaguars franchise record of 17.5 sacks.
During the past three seasons, Allen is sixth in pressures (228) and is 10th in sacks (32). Putting the franchise tag on Allen will give the Jaguars more time to sign him to a long-term agreement.
Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed
Most people would expect to see Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones on this list. But putting the franchise tag on Jones would cost Kansas City more than $32 million. That’s why Sneed is a more realistic candidate for the tag.
The Chiefs arguably have the best cornerback tandem in the league with Sneed and Trent McDuffie. In 2023, Sneed was one of the best at his position after registering 78 tackles, two interceptions, and 14 pass breakups.
Placing the franchise tag on Sneed would cost the Chiefs $18.8 million.
Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins
All Wilkins has done during his five seasons in Miami is continue to get better. Now the Dolphins have a difficult decision to make after not signing the 28-year-old to a contract extension last offseason.
Wilkins had his best season in 2023 after finishing with 65 tackles and a career-high in sacks (nine) and quarterback hits (23). Putting the franchise tag on Wilkins would cost Miami $20.9 million, which could be an issue.
The Dolphins are $51.2 million over the salary cap and will need to clear space ahead of free agency. But Miami needs to find a way to keep Wilkins moving forward.
