The deadline for using this 2024 franchise tag has now passed, with nine NFL sides opting to make use of the tag which prevents players from becoming unrestricted free agents next week.
Two types of tags have been used this offseason. The majority of teams have opted to use the non-exclusive tag which is a one-year tender of the average of the top five salaries from a player’s position over the previous five seasons, or 120 per cent of his previous salary, whatever is highest. While a player can negotiate with other teams, his current side can match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he joins another team,
The transition tag has also been used, which sees the offer based on the average of the top 10 salaries from their position, rather than the top five. This brings down the price and if the club refuses to match any other offer, they are not awarded compensation.
With the tagging period now over, here is a round-up of all the tags that have been handed out over the previous fortnight.
Josh Allen - Jacksonville Jaguars
The linebacker has had the non-exclusive franchise tag placed on him after a season that saw him register a career-high 17.5 sacks. The tag will cost the team just over $24million, as it is the second-most expensive position to tag behind quarterbacks.
Brian Burns - Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have placed the non-exclusive tag on the linebacker, who delivered eight sacks for the struggling team last season. Like Allen, he is scheduled to make $24million in 2024 under the tag.
Kyle Dugger - New England Patriots
The safety was handed the transition tag by the Patriots, meaning the team can match any offers for Dugger, who recorded a career-high 109 tackles last season.
Tee Higgins - Cincinnati Bengals
The first player to be tagged this offseason, Higgins received the non-exclusive tag last month after an injury-hit season in which he caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns. This tag will see him make $21.8million in the upcoming season, should a long-term deal not be done by mid-July for one of Joe Burrow’s favourite targets.
Jaylon Johnson - Chicago Bears
A breakout campaign for the cornerback last season has seen Jaylon Johnson receive the non-exclusive tag, but Bears general manager Ryan Poles told reporters at the combine that a new long-term deal is being discussed.
Justin Madubuike - Baltimore Ravens
Another player who made the step up last season, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike has received the non-exclusive tag with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta confirming that talks over a long-term deal will continue.
Michal Pittman - Indianpolis Colts
The Colts have used their franchise tag for the first time in more than ten years, with Michael Pittman Jr being handed the non-exclusive tag. Talks over a new deal will continue, but should he play on the tag in 2024 he will earn £21.8million. Pittman has led the Colts in receptions and receiving yards for three consecutive seasons.
L’Jarius Sneed - Kansas City Chiefs
A key part of the Super Bowl-winning defence in Kansas City, Sneed was handed the non-exclusive tag, with the NFL Network previously reporting that the team had granted the cornerback permission to seek a trade.
Antoine Winfield Jr - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers had a fair few candidates to tag, but have opted to place their non-exclusive tag on the leader of their secondary. Safety Winfield would earn $17.1million if he plays on the tag in 2024. By declining to tag Baker Mayfield, it means the Bucs quarterback is set for free agency.
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