NFL Rumors: 5 Players That Could Be Franchise-Tagged Amidst Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Jacobs, and Co’s Contract Situation

That was another end to a fine season of football. But now, with the offseason activities in full swing, the question of franchise tag on soon-to-be free agents is on everyone’s mind. Here are the top five choices that we think can be expected to be tagged by their respective franchises.

Franchise tagging has been in play since 1993, resulting in some of the most exceptional drama in the NFL world. The franchise tag enables the player to receive the average salary of the Top 5 players in their position in the league. It has also been used to help out teams in dire seasons. So, which free agents should we expect to be tagged this offseason?

Free agency will not last long

Teams have designated some of the best players to become free agents soon. However, these five might not experience free agency this time around. As the leaders of their positions in the squad, there’s likely a chance that their franchise retains them. So, here are the five players rumored to be tagged by their franchises.

Michael Pittman Jr.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted the high-flying wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in the second round of the NFL Draft 2020. In his four seasons with the Colts, Pittman has improved every year, finishing the 2023-24 season as the leading receiver in the squad.

With his rookie contract expiring, the 26-year-old doesn’t mind the franchise tag since it would give him a nice salary bump. The Colts, on the other side, will retain one of the best young WRs in the league.

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield has been a revelation this season! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plucked him to replace Tom Brady at a discounted price, even after the enormous incentive payment. But the Bucs went to the postseason on the back of Mayfield’s heroics.

The Bucs will still get a bargain if they end up tagging Mayfield. However, the 28-year-old could also end up receiving a contract extension. Either way, the Bucs will want to secure Mayfield for the next season.

Josh Jacobs

The Las Vegas Raiders used their franchise tag last season on the running back Josh Jacobs. And even though the RB wasn’t as outstanding as the season before, he is still one of the best choices for the Raiders. Jacobs was the Round 1 pick for the Raiders at the 2019 NFL Draft, and the franchise should continue to put faith in him.

As Jacobs was tagged last season, if the Raiders end up tagging Jacobs again, the 26-year-old will receive 120% of his salary from last season. The Raiders are experiencing a revamp, but having Jacobs on the roster will be critical to their future success.

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Saquon Barkley

Barkley is another player tagged last season by their franchise and is expected to receive the same respect this time. The running back was the Round 1 pick for the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. And the RB has showcased his potential in his years with the Giants.

However, with his talent, the sky is the limit for the 27-year-old, and the Giants are expected to explore that with another franchise tag. He, too, would end up receiving 120% of his salary from last year.

Antoine Winfield Jr.

Winfield Jr. had a career-high season, becoming the co-leader for the forced fumbles in 2023. With his rookie contract expiring, the safety’s pivotal role at the Bucs line cannot be ignored.

But with only one designated choice for each franchise, the Bucs have a problem. They can use their franchise tag on Mayfield or Antoine Winfield Jr. Both players serve entirely different purposes, but both have been instrumental in the success of the Bucs.

Will the Bucs franchise tag Mayfield or Winfield Jr.? Let us know in the comments.

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