Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen is one of the leading candidates to be the franchise player in the next two weeks. (Photo: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
With our sights set on the 2024 season, the stage began for NFL teams to determine whether to place the franchise tag about any of its eligible elements for the next season. The designation of franchise players It is the first step towards free agencywhere the 31 teams will seek dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs.
The free agency is the negotiation period of those players without a contract for the next season, and it’s right through the franchise tag which NFL teams can protect some of its elements most important whose contract has expired.
What is a franchise player?
Chris Jones (95) was named franchise player last year by the Kansas City Chiefs, whom he helped win the Super Bowl. (Photo: Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
NFL etiquette varies in both definition and operation compared to other leagues, as is the case of the MLS. At the end of the season, the contracts of some players also end, and they will be able to negotiate with any of the 32 teams during free agency.
Each NFL team can “protect” a player whose contract has expired, naming him the franchise player. However, there are a couple of conditions to take into account:
Each team can tag only one franchise player.
The club and the player will be able to negotiate a guaranteed one-year contract higher than the average of the 5 highest paid players of the position or 120 percent of your previous contractdepending on which alternative is higher.
It is important to note that as the contracts to be a franchise player are measured by positionit is not the same as labeling a quarterbackwhich would cost above 36 million dollarsthat to a kicker that would barely be above the 5 million.
Tony Pollard (20), franchise player of the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, had a season below expectations. (Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Something else that teams have to consider is that For some players, being a franchise player is seen as a riskbecause although they would receive a maximum salary for a year, an injury or loss of play could cost them millions in the future. Not all players are willing to sign a contract under these conditions.
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The main candidates
Not all teams They have free agents on the horizon who are seen as possible franchise players. In some cases, the level of production has not been sufficient. In others, as is the case of the Buffalo Bills con Micah Hyde, player’s age is a factor to take into account.
Finally, there are those teams that have to maneuver under the salary cap and they need to adjust salaries. The Chiefs are a case Of course, although they will surely seek to retain Chris Jones y L’Jarius Sneedthe cost of labeling any of them It would affect the movements they can make for this seasonalthough Sneed remains a possibility.
Last year, just 6 teams held the designationHowever, for this season it is anticipated that the number can grow.
Tee Higgins, Receptor (Cincinnati Bengals)
Perhaps the most anticipated of all. The Bengals They have a squad ready to fight for the Super Bowl if Joe Burrow stays healthy. With your size and skill, Higgins is he perfect complement for Ja’Marr Chaseforcing opposing defenses to pay attention to both receivers.
Jason Madubuike, tackle defensivo (Baltimore Ravens)
Madubuike was essential part of the defensive success of the Ravens in this 2023, with 13 catches and 65 pressures to the opposing quarterback. If he reaches free agency, he would be one of the most coveted players by other teams.
Brian Burns, linebacker (Carolina Panthers)
Los Panthers They are in full reconstruction with the arrival of Dave Canales, but Burns he is a young talent on which the defense can be built and finished the campaign with 8 captures. If he receives the label it will be to buy time and reach an agreement on a longest contract.
Jaylon Johnson, esquinero (Chicago Bears)
Possibly the best high school player available in free agency (along with Sneed), but the Bears have sufficient motivation and space available under the salary cap to convert Johnson franchise player.
Michael Pittman Jr., receptor (Indianapolis Colts)
Another team that has enough cap space. Los Colts They don’t usually give large sums of money to their players, but Pittman it’s a young and solid receiverwhich can help the quarterback Anthony Richardson after catching 109 passes and 1,152 yards in 2023.
Josh Allen, ala defensiva (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Without a doubt, the Most attractive defensive end on the market. Allen established the franchise record with 17.5 sacks quarterback last year and Jaguars They will surely do everything possible to keep him away from free agency, including labeling him as a franchise player.
L’Jarius Sneed, cornerback (Kansas City Chiefs)
As it mentioned above, the price for Sneed and the Chiefs’ situation against the salary cap make the movement look complicated, since the champions also have several young pieces in the secondary. However, it is a possibility for Kansas City.
Austin Ekeler, running back (Los Angeles Chargers)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has called for better contracts for running backs in the NFL. (Photo: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Another movement that looks unlikely. Thank you He is not coming off his best season and the market has not been kind to the runners. But with Jim Harbaugh back In the NFL, the running back may receive a new opportunity in southern California.
Christian Wilkins, tackle defensivo (Miami Dolphins)
Wilkins is one of the pstrongest pieces on Miami defense. The biggest obstacle will be the accommodation of the contract, since the Dolphins they are very above the salary cap (51 million)which would force them to make other movements.
Kirk Cousins, quarterback (Minnesota Vikings)
He single quarterback on the list. Cousins I was on my way to his best season as a professional before injuring the Achilles tendon. Los Vikings They will surely look for another type of arrangement with the quarterback, but it is a possibility if the negotiations are not progressing in this days.
An injury cut short the 2023 season for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who could now become a free agent. (Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Leonard Williams, tackle defensivo (Seattle Seahawks)
Williams y Jordyn Brooks are candidates for the Seahawksbut the conditions, and the departure of Pete Carroll as head coach, could lead to a complete restructuring of the squad. Still, Williams’ talent is undeniable.
Antoine Winfield Jr., profundo (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Con Mike Evans also as a candidateeverything seems to indicate that it will be Winfield who receives the franchise tag. The safety is an important piece for the defense of the Buccaneerswhich improved a lot at the end of the season.
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