11 NFL players on franchise tag watch before 2024 free agency

The Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror, so it’s now time to start the second half of the (yes, very full) NFL calendar — the offseason!

(Trumpets blare, a triumphant bass provides a not-so-subtle underscore.)

First up, before we even have a chance to diagnose the chaos of next month’s free agency period, we have to examine the franchise tag status for a number of the league’s bigger names. No one wants to use a tag, per se — players who are ready for the open market, especially — but it is a backup tool to keep quality talent around for at least another year.

As a reminder, franchise tags are determined by the average of the top-five salaries at a player’s positional designation. Every NFL team also only gets one per offseason, and they are strictly on a one-year basis. Per Over The Cap’s current projections (they could always change), the current franchise tag salaries are as follows:

Offense:

• Quarterbacks: $35.9 million
• Offensive linemen: $21.7 million
• Receivers: $21.6 million
• Running backs: $12.4 million
• Tight ends: $12.3 million

Defense:

• Defensive ends: $23.3 million
• Linebackers: $21.9 million
• Defensive tackles: $19.7 million
• Cornerbacks: $18.4 million
• Safeties: $17.2 million

Let’s break down the most notable potential franchise tag situations around the league and determine which field tilters have a chance at actually hitting free agency. The deadline is March 5 at 4 p.m. Eastern time.

No pressure, everyone!

All cap and salary numbers are per Over The Cap.