One of the first steps in the upcoming NFL season is to make predictions for the 2024 franchise tag.
The franchise tag window this season runs from February 20 to March 5. During that period, teams decide whether or not to place the franchise tag on a player who is scheduled to be a free agent to retain for the 2024 season.
Predict which NFL teams will use the franchise tag in 2024
If you're confused, don't worry, most fans need the franchise tag explained. It's just one part of salary cap rules that can sometimes complicate an NFL season.
The bottom line is that by using the franchise tag on a player, that player will remain with his current team in 2024 instead of becoming a free agent. In other words, star players are usually the ones who get tagged, which is why franchise tag projections in 2024 will be a fascinating thing to keep an eye on. With that in mind, here are our guesses on which teams will use the franchise tag and which players will be tagged.
Bengals – T. Higgins
The Bengals face a tough decision with Tee Higgins. He likely won't sign a long-term contract to stay in Cincinnati if he can find a team that will make him a focal point of the offense rather than a complementary piece to Ja'Marr Chase.
Using the franchise tag would cost the Bengals more than $20 million. However, Cincinnati is one of the few teams that has enough cap space to pay that amount for a franchise player.
By keeping Higgins for another season, the Bengals can bet on Joe Burrow staying healthy in 2024 and using the Chase-Higgins tandem to carry the team to the Super Bowl. It's a risk, but it could be worth it for a team with clear championship aspirations.
Jaguars – Josh Allen
One of the safest predictions for the franchise tag in 2024 is Jacksonville tagging Josh Allen if he can't sign a long-term extension before the March 5 deadline. Allen just set a franchise record with 17.5 sacks in 2023 and will be among the top free agents on the open market.
To prevent that from happening, the Jags might be desperate enough to use the franchise tag. From Jacksonville's perspective, the Jags have a quarterback but still need a player like Allen to anchor the defense. This explains why Jacksonville may have no choice but to use the tag to retain Allen.
Panthers – Brian Burns
Similar to Allen, Brian Burns will be one of the top free agents on the open market this spring. He will be just 26 years old at the start of the 2024 season and is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. In other words, Burns is now entering his prime and beginning to establish himself as a top-tier pass rusher. He desperately wants to hit the open market and sign a big contract.
Of course, that's exactly why the Panthers used the franchise tag on him. That would buy Carolina one more year to prove to Burns that he should stay with the Panthers. This is obviously a tough argument to make after a 2-15 campaign, which is why the Panthers need more time to sell Burns on the idea of staying in Carolina long-term.
Pirates – Antoine Winfield
The Bucs have a few different candidates for the franchise tag, including quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans. However, safety Antoine Winfield would likely be the option if Tampa uses the franchise tag.
For starters, a safety won't cost as much on the franchise tag as a quarterback or wide receiver. Winfield is also younger and a key component of Tampa's defense. Two years ago, the Buccaneers used the franchise tag on Chris Godwin (for the second year in a row) and quickly signed him to a long-term deal. They wouldn't mind using the same tactic on Winfield to keep him from hitting the open market.
Dolphins – Christian Wilkins
Financially, it would be difficult for Miami to use the franchise tag on Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins are already over the salary cap by more than $50 million. However, his importance to Miami's defense could help negate how financially ridiculous using the franchise tag is.
The Dolphins will promise Wilkins about $20 million in 2024, putting them in deeper financial trouble. However, after discussing an extension with Wilkins last offseason, giving him the franchise tag would make sense for the Dolphins if they believe they can agree to a long-term deal with more time to negotiate. However, this will be a tough call for Miami.
Crows – Justin Madubuike
Rumors strongly suggest that Baltimore will use the franchise tag on Justin Madubuike, which is not at all surprising. Similar to Allen and Burns, he is an excellent pass rusher, accumulating 13 sacks in 2023.
This means Madubuike will be an obvious target for many teams in free agency. The Ravens don't want to compete with others if Madubuike hits the open market. Given his importance to Baltimore's defense last season, it would make sense for the Ravens to use the franchise tag on Madubuike if the two sides don't have a long-term agreement in place by March 5.
Giants – Saquon Barkley
The Giants used the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley last season to prevent him from becoming a free agent. Using the franchise tag on Barkley again would cost the G-Men more money.
Keep in mind that Barkley is a year old and did not match his 2022 numbers last season. Of course, the Giants know how good Barkley is when he's at his best. They also have a clear interest in keeping him in New York. A franchise tag may not be the obvious way to do this, although it is certainly on the table.
