NFL franchise tag 2021: Dak Prescott, Allen Robinson headline 7 candidates

NFL Franchise Tag candidate No. 3: Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After winning the Super Bowl in Tom Brady’s first year, the Buccaneers are faced with some tough decisions this offseason. They have big-name pending free agents like Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett and, yes, wide receiver Chris Godwin (among others). How they choose to navigate this conundrum will be interesting to see.

Having said that, it’s hard to see them letting Godwin hit the open market. They clearly want to get a deal done with the talented wide receiver as he played a key role in the passing offense. In this instance, the franchise tag would be all about giving the Bucs and Godwin’s reps the time to work out a deal that is feasible for both parties as that seemingly is what both parties want.

NFL Franchise Tag candidate No. 2: Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears

Has any wide receiver ever been as good as Allen Robinson has been while being forced to play with such subpar quarterbacks? He’s spent the first few years of his career playing with the likes of Blake Bortles and Mitchell Trubisky. Yet, he’s still been one of the best wideouts in the league.

Given the substantial dropoff at the position on the Bears roster right now and the fact that they’re looking to make a big splash this offseason at quarterback, they need to keep Robinson. Maybe they could look for a tag and trade situation but, ultimately, expect the pass-catcher to get slapped with the tag.

NFL Franchise Tag candidate No. 1: Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Considering that we’re just a day short of the deadline, it feels almost certain that the Dallas Cowboys will hit quarterback Dak Prescott with the franchise tag. It’s absurd that it’s come to this and the two sides have yet to reach a deal over the past two years. But things could change this offseason.

If Jerry Jones is truly committed to keeping Prescott for the long haul, they must get a long-term contract reached this offseason. If not, he’s essentially going to price himself out of keeping his quarterback beyond the 2021 season, which would set the Cowboys back tremendously. Thus, expect a deal to be reached prior to July 15.