Should Packers use franchise tag on Aaron Jones or Corey Linsley?

With the NFL franchise tag deadline approaching, should the Green Bay Packers use the tag to lock up either Aaron Jones or Corey Linsley for 2021?

Even with the Green Bay Packers coming off of two straight NFC Championship Game appearances, the 2021 offseason is going to be crucial. Not only is nailing the NFL Draft critical but they must navigate free agency wisely. That not only includes any signings the organization may make but also what they choose to do with their own pending free agents.

Among the players the Packers could potentially see departing this offseason, the two most important pieces are running back Aaron Jones and center Corey Linsley. Both players were vital to the offensive success Green Bay found last season but both could also be gone. That’s where the franchise tag could come into play.

Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET marks the franchise tag deadline around the league and Green Bay will have a decision to make about whether or not they want to lock down either Jones or Linsley to a one-year deal or maintain either player’s rights so that they may continue to try and negotiate a long-term contract.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has mentioned that the team would be open to using the franchise tag on Jones, which would cost the team just north of $8 million if they chose to do so. The same sentiment has not been expressed in regards to Linsley by the front office, however.

But that doesn’t say whether or not the team should tag either Jones or Linsley. And that is a different discussion entirely.

The Packers are better off not using the franchise tag for the 2021 season.

There’s no denying the importance of both Jones and Linsley to the team’s offensive success this past season. Yet, for a team that is already over the salary cap and is looking to cut money, putting the franchise tag on either player would not behoove their overall outlook moving forward.

In the case of Jones, it would be hard to justify paying a running back $8 million in the modern NFL, even one as good as the UTEP product. Moreover, you have to believe that Gutekunst and the front office were preparing for Jones’ possible departure when they selected AJ Dillon in the second round of last year’s draft. And for what it’s worth, Dillon flashed when given the chance as a rookie.

Linsley is a bit more complicated matter as the strength of the offensive line helps all involved. The center has struggled with injuries in his career but was a dominant force on the interior in 2020. At the same time, he would cost over $13 million on the franchise tag and there might be ready replacements for him on the roster.

Elgton Jenkins has played guard for the majority of his first two NFL seasons and thrived but he came into the league as a center in college. He could slot to that spot on a rookie contract and then allow the Packers to sign or draft a guard to fill the void he would leave.

Over their history, Green Bay has not been a big proponent of utilizing the franchise tag. And while it will sting to lose Jones, Linlsey or both in free agency, they are prepared on the roster to do so. With that also meaning they would avoid paying the premium of the tag, it may be in their best interest to ultimately not tag either player or anyone other pending free agency.