Tracking every NFL player being tagged at the franchise tag deadline on Tuesday to see which teams are locking up guys on one-year deals.
The NFL franchise deadline has arrived on Tuesday, March 9 and that means teams will have tough decisions to make about pending free agents. Of course, one of the biggest names that could’ve been tagged this offseason actually inked a long-term deal with Dak Prescott signing his long-awaiting contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
However, the action is not done there. Even with the uncertain salary cap situation in the NFL, teams can utilize the tag to either retain a player for one year, to work out something of a sign-and-trade scenario, or to buy time for working out a long-term contract.
With that in mind, we’re keeping track of every player and team that uses the franchise tag ahead of the NFL’s deadline.
NFL Franchise Tag: Marcus Williams, S, New Orleans Saints
This is an interesting offseason for the Saints given what could happen with their roster but Marcus Williams will be a part of that after getting tagged. He’s been a quality secondary player and someone they can continue to build with.
NFL Franchise Tag: Leonard Williams, DL, New York Giants
The G-Men keep the high-profile defensive tackle they traded for two years ago likely to keep saving face for the initial move. Williams is still a good player and they would definitely like to keep him around for the long haul but it remains to be seen if a deal will get done.
NFL Franchise Tag: Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears
Chicago isn’t letting far and away its best receiver get away as the Bears placed the franchise tag on Allen Robinson, as reported by Adam Schefter. This is far from a surprise given the Bears’ pursuit of a quarterback and lack of other viable weapons in the passing game.
NFL Franchise Tag: Cam Robinson, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags are placing the tag on offensive tackle Cam Robinson, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This was a but of shocker as Robinson has been fine but not particularly great since entering the league. Still, Jacksonville clearly values some continuity in the trenches.
NFL Franchise Tag: Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The reigning Super Bowl champs have slapped the tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This was not all that surprising as both sides want a long-term deal but it does mean Shaq Barrett and Lavonte David will now hit free agency.
NFL Franchise Tag: Taylor Moton, OT, Carolina Panthers
Carolina is looking to make a big splash this offseason but part of that includes keeping Taylor Moton at right tackle as they’ve slapped him with the tag for 2021, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Moton was not an immediate starter for the Panthers but has thrived and improved since taking up the mantle. He would demand big money on the open market, so Carolina is wise to keep him in the fold at a relatively nice price.
NFL Franchise Tag: Brandon Scherff, OG, Washington Football Team
Looking to retain the integrity of the offensive line, Washington is using the franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff again, as reported by JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
Scherff has been a top-tier guard since entering the league and the Football Team would surely love to get a long-term deal done with him. We’ll see if that happens or if he plays on the tag in the 2021 season.
NFL Franchise Tag: Marcus Maye, S, New York Jets
Marcus Maye was another safety hit with the franchise tag as the Jets utilized it for the first time since 2016. Maye and the Jets have had a bit of a standoff in terms of contract negotiations but retaining him is critical to the Jets
After trading Jamal Adams last year, the New York secondary is a bit thin, especially on the back end. Losing Maye would be devastating in that aspect and the Jets were wise to use it here.
NFL Franchise Tag: Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos
The Broncos were the first team to utilize the tag as, for the second straight year, they’ve levied it on safety Justin Simmons. Denver is reportedly hoping to work out a long-term contract with the safety but wants the added protection of having time to do so.
Simmons has developed into one of the best players at the position in the NFL. Letting him go would be a substantial hit to the Broncos defense, so it stands to reason why they would make this move.