NFL franchise tag 2021: Dak Prescott, Allen Robinson headline 7 candidates
NFL Franchise Tag candidate No. 6: Kenny Golladay, WR, Detroit Lions
Formerly a third-round pick, Kenny Golladay has quickly risen up the wide receiver ranks to become an absolute beast on the outside. In the 2019 season in which he made the Pro Bowl, he hauled in 65 catches for 1,190 yards with 11 touchdowns. But after playing only five games last season, things are a bit murky.
Not only does Golladay not have a long track record of NFL success but the Lions are in a transition period after trading Matthew Stafford this offseason. Still, as almost their entire wide receiver group is set to leave in free agency, they would be wise to try and lock up Golladay for one more year — or at least tag and trade him.
NFL Franchise Tag candidate No. 5: Taylor Moton, OT, Carolina Panthers
If Taylor Moton were to make it to the free agency market, you could make the case that he would be the most coveted player available. Since coming out of Western Michigan and then starting at right tackle for the Panthers in year two, he’s only gotten better and is now one of the more underrated and better tackles in the league.
Carolina is looking to make some big moves at quarterback this offseason and it would be hard to imagine the franchise doing that if they weren’t in the business of protecting a new signal-caller. Getting Moton on the tag actually gets them a solid financial deal and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Panthers try to work out a long-term pact as well.
NFL Franchise Tag candidate No. 4: Brandon Scherff, OG, Washington Football Team
Washington hit all-world offensive guard Brandon Scherff with the franchise tag last offseason and, as you’d expect, he continued to be one of the best in the league at his position. Now comes the question of what the Football Team plans to do next. The answer might simply be levying another tag.
Scherff is someone the Football Team clearly wants to keep around for a while. Since coming into the league, the now-29-year-old has done nothing but dominate on the interior, something they want to see more of. Expect him to get slapped with the tag and for Washington to keep negotiating on a deal that will keep Scherff in the nation’s capital for many more years.