Analyzing NFL Franchise Tag Candidates

Teams in the NFL have massively improved their ability to extend their stars. With the ways the cap can be manipulated thanks to bonuses and year to year cash allocation, GMs usually secure the deals they want with relative ease. That is evident by looking at how little the franchise tag is used nowadays. Last year, there were just two players that got tagged. Those two were Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Chiefs guard Trey Smith, both of whom got new deals later. This year there’s quite a few players who are legitimate candidates to be tagged. Will last year’s precedent of just two players being tagged continue into this year, or will we see more teams favor the tag over other avenues? Today we’ll take a look at this year’s franchise tag candidates, and see what their futures might hold.

TE Kyle Pitts

Finally, Kyle Pitts lived up to his expectations. Despite a rocky QB situation, Pitts was able to have a very respectable season. He put up 928 yards and notably found the endzone four times. With the Bijan Robinson and Drake London extensions looming large for Atlanta, it’s unlikely that they’ll prioritize securing Pitts for the long run. Paired with the fact that the franchise tag for tight ends isn’t that expensive, it wouldn’t be surprising it Pitts were to be tagged.

RB Breece Hall

With the pass attack’s failings, Breece Hall was the only weapon New York could rely on. Hall carried the rock 204 times and totaled 1065 yards. He did this even though opposing defenses knew that he was the man to stop, as he had the 10th highest stacked front carry rate among his position. Hall has been the primary engine for the Jets for most of his career. Without him, scoring would be a myth in Metlife. Thus, expect the tag if the two sides can’t come to a deal before free agency.

DE Trey Hendrickson

There’s not much to say here. While all signs are pointing towards a divorce between Hendrickson and Cincinnati, the Bengals simply can’t afford for him to leave. Of course, keeping him against his will and not allowing him to secure one more bag would be anything but a classy move. Additionally, his age is already showing, and he missed 10 total games this past season. Nevertheless, he’s their only spark on defense. While a longer-term deal would be preferable, the tag may be the only option.

C Tyler Linderbaum

Baltimore’s tackle tandem was up to scratch for most of the season. Meanwhile, the two guards tasked with protecting Lamar Jackson were constantly getting beat. If not for Tyler Linderbaum, the Ravens interior would be allowing a neverending stream of pressure to come Jackson’s way. If the Ravens can’t come to an agreement with Linderbaum, they must tag him. Letting him walk would be one of the worst decisions they could make.

WR Alec Pierce

Alec Pierce put up career highs in a contract year, solidifying himself as one of the game’s top homerun threats. Pierce logged 1003 yards in 15 games. Furthermore, he accomplished that mark with just 47 receptions, leading the league in yards per-reception for the second year in a row. Additionally, the extra layer a player like Pierce adds to an offense is invaluable. He scares defenses, freeing up space in the short area of the field. Therefore, the Colts could try to maintain his services. However, the price of the tag may not align with Pierce’s value. Coupled with the fact that Indy still has Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, they’ll probably be content with letting Pierce walk.

QB Daniel Jones

Their quarterback on the other hand is a whole other story. Daniel Jones was en route to a career year and a long-term deal with the shoe. The Achilles tear of it all complicates things. Mixed with the falloff in production Jones experienced whenever he was forced to work out of structure, the Colts may be less inclined to keep him. Nevertheless, they don’t have any other option. The Sauce Gardner trade may have dug this franchise into a hole they can’t get out of. Without a first round pick this or next year, securing a top-tier quarterback prospect is near impossible, leaving Daniel Jones as the logical option. As such, with it being clear that there is no other path for Indianapolis, the Colts will likely favor a shorter new contract over paying the price of a franchise tag with Jones.

WR George Pickens

It’s very likely that Dallas didn’t expect Pickens’ value to skyrocket the way it did. What the Cowboys hoped to get out of the trade with Pittsburgh was a reliable number 2 to pair with Lamb. Instead, they quickly found out that Pickens is a number 1 in his own right. 1400 yards later, Pickens is going to demand a hefty new contract. While Dallas would love to maintain the core that led them to becoming a top-2 offensive unit in the game, their cap allocation makes their offense the second most expensive. As such, the complications that can come from guarantees and year by year cash allocation will extend discussion regarding a new contract with Pickens. So, Dallas will probably use the tag on their newfound star, in hopes to keep him for the long run.

RB Kenneth Walker III

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker may have played his last snap in Seattle. He had perhaps the best year of his career, and went on a tear come playoffs. Though he was the key cog in Klint Kubiak’s offense, the offensive system that the Seahawks employ largely views runningbacks as interchangeable. That’s not to say that Walker isn’t a special talent, but coupled with the fact that Seattle has a long list of extensions to get to, they may simply be unable to give Walker the money he wants, whether that’s a new deal or through the tag.

If you enjoyed this article please like and follow us here on MSN! Thank you for reading and have a great day!

Want to know what the Seahawks should do with their upcoming free agents? Give this article a read!