2024 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates

A look at the 2024 NFL franchise tag candidates. Mike Fanelli explains which players could get hit with the franchise tag over the next few weeks.

The NFL offseason is underway, with free agency starting next month. However, teams can keep one free agent every offseason from hitting the open market, thanks to the franchise tag.

While fans believe the franchise tag is unfair to players, it has been part of the collective bargaining agreement for years. Furthermore, it only impacts a handful of players every offseason.

Starting today, NFL teams have roughly two weeks to use or lose the franchise tag. Let’s look at 12 players who could receive the franchise tag over the next two weeks.

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Players Who Won’t Be Franchise Tagged

The two players who won’t receive the franchise tag this offseason are Chris Jones and Mike Evans. Despite both players coming off massive seasons in 2023, they will cost their team significantly more than the typical franchise tag cost this year. Jones will cost the Kansas City Chiefs $32 million instead of $19.7 million. Meanwhile, Evans will cost the Tampa Bay Buccaneers $28.4 million instead of $21.6 million this offseason.

Due to his 2023 cap number, Buccaneers WR Mike Evans' projected franchise tag would be $28.4 million - instead of the regular $21.6M - meaning he is not expected to be a tag candidate. https://t.co/0bLVyZZgsm

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2024

Baker Mayfield - QB

Mayfield had an impressive first year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making the Pro Bowl after totaling a career-high 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Reportedly, the team won’t use the franchise tag on the former No. 1 overall pick. Mayfield and the Buccaneers want to come to a long-term contract, keeping the veteran quarterback in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future.

Josh Jacobs - RB

Last year, Jacobs played under the franchise tag after a career year in 2022. The former Alabama star didn’t have the ideal season in a contract year. He had under 810 rushing yards for the first time in his career. The veteran also averaged only 3.5 yards per rushing attempt. Meanwhile, Zamir White looked like a star in the making during his four weeks as the starter. Jacobs will likely hit the open market next month with new management running the show in Las Vegas.

Saquon Barkley - RB

The superstar running back spent the 2023 season playing on the franchise tag. Yet, Barkley had over 960 rushing yards for the fourth time in his career. While the Giants say they want him to be part of their long-term plans, that seems unlikely given the running back’s age. The former Penn State star repeatedly voiced his displeasure with the franchise tag over the past year. However, many believe New York should use the franchise tag on Barkley for the second consecutive offseason.

If Daniel Jones is going to be the starter bringing back Saquon Barkley should be a priority

Joe Schoen needs to surround DJ with talent. Not let it walk out the door for nothing

I’d franchise tag 26 if a deal can’t be made & reassess next year with a better understanding of… pic.twitter.com/Q6I28czmqJ

— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) February 14, 2024

Michael Pittman Jr. - WR

Unfortunately, the Indianapolis Colts didn’t see Pittman play much with Anthony Richardson because of a shoulder injury to their rookie quarterback. However, the team likely will franchise tag the star wide receiver if they can’t agree to a long-term deal over the next few weeks. While he hasn’t been a massive touchdown producer, Pittman has been outstanding despite a merry-go-round at quarterback since joining the team.

Tee Higgins - WR

Many in the media have talked about Higgins' future with the Cincinnati Bengals over the past several months. The team signed Joe Burrow to a massive extension last offseason. Meanwhile, Ja'Marr Chase is eligible for an extension starting in March. With Tyler Boyd also set to hit the open market next month, Cincinnati will have some decisions to make at the wide receiver position. Reportedly, the Bengals will place the franchise tag on Higgins.

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: The #Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Star WR Tee Higgins to prevent him from hitting free agency, per @TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/4clTMrWSnR

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 13, 2024

Justin Madubuike - DL

Madubuike wasn’t a well-known player before the 2023 season. The former Texas A&M defensive lineman never had a full-time role with the Baltimore Ravens until last year, totaling a career-high 13 sacks. Baltimore rarely lets emerging star players out of the building, meaning Madubuike likely gets the franchise tag sometime over the next two weeks unless the two sides can agree on a contract extension.

Christian Wilkins - DL

According to rumors, the Miami Dolphins could tag and trade Wilkins this offseason. The team has limited salary cap space and might be unable to keep the star defensive lineman. Wilkins had an outstanding year rushing the quarterback in 2023, setting career highs in sacks (nine) and quarterback hits (23). Whether he is back with the Dolphins or playing elsewhere next season, the former Clemson star is becoming one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL.

Brian Burns - DL

There weren’t many bright spots for the Carolina Panthers last season. Unfortunately, Burns is hitting the open market a year too late. After totaling a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022, the star pass-rusher had eight last season, the second-lowest total of his career. Yet, the Panthers are expected to use the franchise tag on Burns.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to franchise Brian Burns.

A trade has not been ruled out as well. pic.twitter.com/w4inf8N4qZ

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 15, 2024

Josh Allen - DL

No, the superstar quarterback isn’t a free agent this offseason or anytime soon. However, the lesser-known Josh Allen will hit the market next month unless the Jacksonville Jaguars use the franchise tag on him. The superstar pass-rusher is coming off the best season of his career, totaling 17.5 sacks, the second-most in the NFL. By comparison, Allen had 14.5 sacks in 2021 and 2022 combined. There is no way the Jaguars let the former Kentucky star see the open market.

Jaylon Johnson - CB

The NFL has come to learn what a difference having a star cornerback can make for your defense. While Montez Sweat’s arrival helped turn around the Chicago Bears defense last season, Johnson also played a massive role in their success. The former Utah star cornerback had four interceptions this year after totaling only one over his first three seasons. Despite speculation that Johnson could get tagged and traded, fans should expect him back in Chicago next year.

Antoine Winfield Jr. - S

Many were rightfully upset when Winfield didn’t make the Pro Bowl this year. The former Minnesota star finished sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year award race and made first-team All-Pro. Winfield set career highs in interceptions (three), forced fumbles (six), fumble recoveries (four), tackles (122), and sacks (six) in 2023. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will use the franchise tag on their star safety.

Buccaneers likely to use their franchise tag on S Antoine Winfield Jr., per @TB_Times pic.twitter.com/dOUt463Zp1

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 19, 2024

Kyle Dugger - S

While the New England Patriots had an awful 2023 season, Dugger had a breakout year. He set career highs in sacks (1.5), tackles for a loss (six), quarterback hits (five), and total tackles (109). Furthermore, the star safety led the team in interceptions (two) while finishing second in passes defended (seven). The Patriots have a new decision-maker for the first time this century. Therefore, Dugger could get the franchise tag or be allowed to test the open market.

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