The 2024 NFL offseason is here, and for some teams, the first order of business is the franchise tag.
Not every free agent comes to a long-term deal with their team. While some are able to ink agreements that include multiple years, others can be quite pricey. For those clubs that may not want to commit to a long contract — but also don’t want to see their star hit the open market — the franchise tag comes into play.
The franchise tag allows teams to extend the contract of any one player for one year at a pre-determined, league-wide value. This season, teams must decide to use the tender by 4 p.m. ET on March 5 or risk losing a potential pending free agent to another team.
The franchise tag isn’t as widely used as it once was, but there are still plenty of teams that will utilize it to keep a high-end player on board. The Bengals kicked off the frenzy this offseason by placing the tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Who else might get franchised? Here’s a breakdown of the top candidates to be slapped with the tag and the latest news, rumors, and updates about players who have been tagged in 2024.
MORE: NFL franchise tags, explained: Updated position values, deadlines, & rules to know for 2024
NFL franchise tag tracker
Below is a look at the players who have been tendered a franchise tag for the 2024 NFL season.
Jaylon Johnson
Tag estimate: $19.8 million
The Bears and Jaylon Johnson are working on a long-term deal, and “conversations are going well,” per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Still, Chicago franchised its star cornerback ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
The #Bears are placing the franchise tag on star CB Jaylon Johnson, and that tag number is $19.8M for one season. GM Ryan Poles said at the Combine that they are in the process of getting a deal done. “Conversations are going well at this time.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
Johnson had four interceptions last season, graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 corner and was named a second-team All-Pro for his performance.
Josh Allen, Jaguars
Tag estimate: $24 million
The Jaguars are expected to place the franchise tag on their star pass rusher Josh Allen, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Allen posted a career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023 and has never logged fewer than seven sacks in a season. That’s part of why Jacksonville wants to sign Allen to a long-term deal, something the team has “expressed confidence” in doing, per Rapoport.
The #Jaguars are expected to place the franchise tag on pass-rusher Josh Allen, and he’s on the books for one year and $24M, source said. No surprise. The team has expressed confidence in getting a long-term deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
Justin Madubuike, Ravens
Tag estimate: $22.5 million
The Ravens inked Justin Madubuike to one-year extension via franchise tag, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Madubuike earns a reward for a stunning campaign that saw him emerge as one of the league’s better pass rushers. He racked up 13 sacks in 2023, earning Pro Bowl honors in the process. He’ll receive $22.5 million in 2024.
Antoine Winfield Jr, Buccaneers
Tag estimate: $17.1 million
The Buccaneers opted to place the franchise tag on Antoine Winfield Jr., per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. By inking Winfield to a one-year extension, Tampa Bay will be able to work towards securing the safety’s services on a long-term deal. Winfield, 25, earned All-Pro honors in 2023 after recording 122 combined tackles, three interceptions, six sacks and a league-high six forced fumbles. He’ll make around $17 million in 2024.
Buccaneers placing franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/o21o2fLzBJ
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2024
Brian Burns, Panthers
Tag estimate: $24 million
The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Brian Burns, who will make about $24 million on a one-year deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Burns has 46 sacks in 80 career games and has never recorded fewer than 7.5 sacks in one season, so it’s no surprise that the Panthers wanted to keep him.
The #Panthers officially placed the tag on star edge Brian Burns, and his tag number is $24M fully for one season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
L’Jarius Sneed, Chiefs
Tag estimate: $19.8 million
The Chiefs opted to place the franchise tag on Sneed, but “he has permission to speak with teams about a potential trade,” according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. If Sneed cannot find a trade, “He may just play on the tag,” Rapoport wrote.
Sneed is the second high-profile player to receive the tag this offseason, joining Cincinnati star Tee Higgins. He’s expected to earn a hair under $20 million during the 2024 season.
We have placed the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on CB L’Jarius Sneed. pic.twitter.com/xF3XLjlqVk
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 4, 2024
Tee Higgins, Bengals
Tag estimate: $21.8 million
As expected, the Bengals are hitting wide receiver Tee Higgins with the franchise tag. His number is expected to be around $21.8 million fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He becomes the first player to receive the tag this offseason.
The franchise tag number is expected to be around $21.8M, fully guaranteed, for the #Bengals and Tee Higgins. The first tagged player of this window. https://t.co/dsoQEeThv5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2024
Notable NFL franchise tag candidates
Several standouts are potential franchise tag candidates for the 2024 offseason. Below is a list of the most notable names, per SN’s Dan Treacy:
Player Position Team Franchise tag Tee Higgins WR Bengals Yes Brian Burns DE Panthers Yes Josh Allen LB Jaguars Yes Antoine Winfield Jr. S Buccaneers Yes Saquon Barkley RB Giants No Christian Wilkins DT Dolphins No L’Jarius Sneed CB Chiefs Yes Michael Pittman Jr. WR Colts — Justin Madubuike DL Ravens Yes Jaylon Johnson CB Bears Yes
Higgins and Sneed are the only two players on the list who have already been tagged. Dolphins run-stopper Wilkins will not be tagged, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Although it hasn’t been made official, star running backs like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard are also not expected to be franchise-tagged, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Feb. 26.
For more analysis on each candidate, you can click here.
NFL franchise tag values for 2024
Below is a full list of the estimated non-exclusive franchise tag values for the 2024 offseason. For more on the NFL’s franchise tag rules and procedures, you can click here.
Position Non-exclusive tag value Transition tag value Quarterback $38.3 million $34.367 million Running back $11.951 million $9.765 million Wide receiver $21.816 million $19.766 million Tight end $12.693 million $10.878 million Offensive line $20.985 million $19.040 million Defensive end $21.324 million $19.076 million Defensive tackle $22.102 million $18.491 million Linebacker $24.007 million $19.971 million Cornerback $19.802 million $17.215 million Safety $17.123 million $13.815 million Kicker/punter $5.984 million $5.433 million
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