5 NFL superstars likely to be franchise tagged in 2023 offseason
The Super Bowl has just ended and the 2023 NFL offseason is already in full swing. The first order of business that teams will face is franchise tags. The window for doing so begins on Feb. 21 and goes until Mar. 7.
Any free agent who is not tagged during this period becomes unrestricted after that period and can sign with another team on March 13, when the legal tampering window begins. March 15 signals the beginning of the 2023 NFL league year.
The NFL recently released the franchise tag valuation by player positions, as given below:
- QB $32,416,000
- LB $20,926,000
- WR $19,743,000
- DE $19,727,000
- DT $18,937,000
- OL $18,244,000
- CB $18,140,000
- S $14,460,000
- TE $11,345,000
- RB $10,091,000
- ST $5,393,000
The above values are based on the non-exclusive franchise tag. For exclusive franchise tags, the values are higher and based on the top five player contracts in that position. For example, for quarterbacks, it is expected to be around $45 million. An exclusive tag allows the team to hold the player and prohibits him from negotiating a contract elsewhere.
Over the last three years, 30 players have been placed under franchise tags. Some of them go on to sign contract extensions removing them from this tag, whereas others continue playing under this tag.
There are certain players who will be franchise tagged this year as well. Here is a list of the top five players that we expect to fall under this category.
Players expected to come under franchise tag in the 2023 NFL offseason
#1 - Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
The first name on everyone's lips is Lamar Jackson. The former league MVP and quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens finds himself at an impasse over contract negotiations. He remains a valued member of the team, but it does not look likely that they will be able to reach a deal with their star player.
The next best thing for them would be to trade him. To do so, they would need to place him under the franchise tag, so that other players cannot sign him as an unrestricted free agent.
Putting him under the exclusive tag will allow the Baltimore Ravens the highest leverage in negotiating with the market. There are many potential suitors for Lamar Jackson in the NFL, with reports suggesting that the Atlanta Falcons are the frontrunners for his signature.
#2 - Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
The New York Giants were a relevation this season. They made it to the playoffs when no one expected them to and won away from home against the Minnesota Vikings to make it all the way to the divisional round.
NFL coach of the year Brian Daboll has had a huge impact on the sidelines. On the field, there were two players who were critical to their success.
The first was quarterback Daniel Jones. He had an amazing season. He cut out his turnovers and when needed emerged as a strong running threat. There is enough reason for the franchise to tag him.
However, Saquon Barkley might be a better option considering his valuation is less given he is a running back. He had played only 15 games in the last two seasons before showing his worth with 1,650 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
With teams being told the salary cap will be $224.8M, the franchise tag numbers are:
QBs: $32.416M
RBs: $10.091M
Relevant for Giants with both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley set to become free agents.
There is no doubt that the Giants will already be negotiating a deal with their quarterback. Keeping their star running back on the cheap will make that process much easier too.
#3 - Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Ever heard of a franchise-tagged player being retagged? That is what is likely to happen with Orlando Brown Jr. The left tackle might be the only one who is not celebrating the Chiefs' Super Bowl win as hard as some of his teammates. He was offered $23 million last season, which he turned down. Kansas City promptly franchise-tagged him at a lower value.
As expected, the #Chiefs and Orlando Brown were unable to get a deal done. He wanted to be highest paid OT on paper, and Veach made that happen, but that wasn't enough. If he signs his franchise tag, I'd do it again in 23 and walk away or trade him.
They can tag him again this year, though they will have to guarantee 120 percent of his previous valuation, which comes to around $20 million. That is still less than what they were initially willing to offer, so it is a winning situation for them.
Over the course of three seasons, they will end up paying him around $40 million, which is a bargain for the former Pro Bowler. How interesting it is for the player is a different matter.
#4 - Jordan Poyer, S, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills went all-in last season to win the Super Bowl. That did not materialize. They have a lot of top players on the roster, which means they would have to look towards the franchise tagging one of their star players to make space. Somebody like Tremaine Edmunds will be expensive given the valuation of linebackers.
Buffalo Bills Jordan Poyer is likely to get the franchise tag if a deal cannot be reached. https://t.co/bmabL3YVVE
However, where they can look instead is at the safety position. Jordan Poyer allowed just a 60.1 passer rating against him all season and had four interceptions in 12 games. Tagging him will allow the Bills to spread their resources around as they finally look to get over the hump during the best years of Josh Allen as their quarterback.
#5 - Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs wants top money and that is not undue given his performances over the last season. He rushed for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns in an offense that otherwise stumbled, and will have plenty of other suitors.
However, the Las Vegas Raiders are looking for a new quarterback. Getting someone like Aaron Rodgers will not be cheap and they will need to spread their money around.
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs now says he'd play on the franchise tag: "if the team loaded up at all other positions and added players around him." (PFT)
But added: “If you want me to come back as the hero, you better pay me like a hero.” https://t.co/kCiGdmYfCm
Given that the valuation for running backs is low at around $10 million, it makes sense for the franchise to tag him and build around him and their new quarterback. There is always the possibility that once the pieces are in place, a new deal can be agreed upon with him before the new season starts.