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The 2023 NFL franchise tag can be placed on a player from February 21st to March 7th. That means some of the best players headed to free agency may never make it there. They, of course, could be signed to a long-term deal before free agency starts on March 14 or they could get the franchise tag, which gives them a good payday, but also means they are playing on a one-year deal.
2023 NFL franchise tag news and rumors
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Jackson received the non-exclusive tag, which allows teams to negotiate with him. Jackson will earn $32.416 million in 2023 if the tag hold, but the team could still come to a contract agreement. If another team gives him an offer sheet, the Ravens have the right to match that or get two first round picks as compensation.
Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys
Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders
Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars
Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Pollard, Jacobs, Engram and Barkley all received the non-exclusive tag and will end up playing with their teams in 2023. These four could end up getting contracts still, but they’re locked in to their old teams.
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
The Giants and Jones agreed on a four-year, $160 million contract right at the franchise tag deadline. That move allowed them to franchise tag RB Saquon Barkley.
Daron Payne, DT, Commanders
Washington has placed the franchise tag on Payne. They now have until July 15th to come up with a contract they can both agree on or he will play the season on the franchise tag or go through this once again in 2024. If he does play on the tag, he will make $18.937 million.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Jackson and the Ravens haven’t been able to work out an extension. The sticking point appears to be Jackson’s desire to have a dully guaranteed contract like DeShaun Watson received, but the rest of the NFL appears to be entrenched in not letting that become a precedent. Jackson will likely be tagged, but there’s also a slim chance he ends up getting traded after that. It will be a major news story this spring.
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
Jones appears to be asking for around $45 million a year and has just changed agents, per ProFootballTalk. At this point it looks likely that Jones will get the franchise tag, but nothing is set in stone.
Orlando Brown, LT, Chiefs
The Chiefs look likely to franchise tag left tackle Orlando Brown for a second year, per Nate Taylor of The Athletic. He would probably be one of, if not the top offensive lineman in free agency, but it doesn’t look like he’ll get there.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB, Eagles
Gardner-Johnson appears likely to be tagged by the Eagles to return for another season, per Adam Caplan. The Eagles have plenty of decisions to make this offseason, but it appears they’re set on bringing CJGJ back.