As the deadline passed, eight players were designated with the non-exclusive franchise tag for the 2024 season. According to the latest NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, the franchise tender is a one-year fully guaranteed contract calculated from the average of the five biggest non-tag salaries for a particular position the previous year.
The tag comes in two forms. The exclusive tag means the player cannot negotiate with other teams. Conversely, those under the non-exclusive tag can explore options elsewhere. However, if the player joins another squad, his original team receives two first-round picks.
Despite completing All-Pro seasons, Justin Madubuike and Antoine Winfield Jr. were designated with the tag by their respective teams. Madubuike was a Second-Team All-Pro member after compiling 56 tackles, 33 quarterback hits, 13 sacks, and a forced fumble for the Baltimore Ravens. The tag value for defensive tackles like Madubuike is $22,102,000.
Ravens franchise tag DT Justin Madubuike. pic.twitter.com/qMtUlpwzoo
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2024
Meanwhile, Winfield Jr. earned a First Team All-Pro selection via his 122 tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles, 12 pass deflections, and three interceptions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The tag value for safeties like Winfield is $17,123,000.
The Chicago Bears designated cornerback Jaylon Johnson with the tag despite earning Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro honors last season, thanks to his 36 tackles, ten pass deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. The tag amount for cornerbacks in 2024 is $19,802,000.
Linebacker Josh Allen received the tag from the Jacksonville Jaguars despite getting a 2023 Pro Bowl nod. Aside from 66 tackles, he collected 17.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass deflection, and an interception. If he agrees, he will receive a one-year salary worth $24,007,000.
Two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns received the tag after a down year with the Carolina Panthers. His tackles (50 to 32) and sacks (12.5 to eight) dropped from 2022 to 2023. As a linebacker, he will be offered the same amount as Allen.
L’Jarius Sneed also got tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs despite allowing more than 40 receiving yards once during the regular season. He also didn’t allow a touchdown in 90 targets throughout the regular season.
Finally, Michael Pittman Jr. and Tee Higgins are the two wide receivers designated with the tag. Pittman had 1,152 receiving yards and four touchdowns with the Indianapolis Colts, while Higgins had 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. The tag value for wide receivers is $21,816,000.
If they don’t sign with other teams, these players have until the Tuesday after the tenth week of the season to accept the tag. Otherwise, they would have to skip the 2024 season.
-Lance Fernandez