Franchise Tag Tracker: Raiders and Cowboys Make Pollard, Jacobs Tags Official
The window for NFL teams to place the franchise tag on eligible players is open and runs through March 7. This post will serve as a running franchise tag tracker for all players who receive the franchise tag during the window to designate the tag.
But first, here’s a breakdown of the franchise tag‘s variations and cost by position for 2023:
2023 Franchise Tag Tracker
Tuesday, March 7: Raiders and Cowboys Make Pollard, Jacobs Tags Official
It was reported this weekend that if the Cowboys and Raiders couldn’t come to terms with Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs, they would both be franchise tagged. On Monday, those beliefs became realities. Pollard and Jacobs will both play the 2023 season on the franchise tag.
Pollard led Cowboys running backs in rushing yards (1,007) and yards per carry (5.2). He was second on the team in yards from scrimmage (1,378). Ezekiel Elliott is under contract, but Pollard is now the younger and better option. They’d like to keep both, but Spotrac estimates Pollard’s market value is $8.4 million annually. That would give Dallas two of the NFL’s highest-paid running backs.
The star running back, whom the Raiders drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, represented the Raiders and the AFC at the Pro Bowl Games after rushing for a league-high 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022.
Thursday, March 2: Jaguars Plan to Tag TE Evan Engram
Even though Evan Engram recently said that an extension seemed possible, the Jaguars will reportedly place the franchise tag on Engram.
This according to Adam Schefter
Engram would be in line for an $11.345 million salary under the terms of the tag, and the two sides would have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal.
Engram caught 73 passes for 766 yards in Jacksonville this season. As of today, the Jaguars have $16.1 million in cap space this offseason. Engram said last month that the extension talks between him and the Jaguars were “very positive.”
Tuesday, February 28: Daron Payne is Staying in D.C.
The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that they are placing the franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne.
If he hit the open market, Payne would likely be in line for a deal with an AAV north of $20 million per year. So, tagging Payne gives the Commanders a discount while working toward a long-term resolution with the 2018 first-round draft pick.
Payne was named to the Pro Bowl after posting a career-best 11 1/2 sacks and 64 combined tackles last season. He will carry an $18.937 million cap figure in 2023 if he signs the tender and doesn’t receive an extension.
