NFL franchise tag 2018: 10 players most likely to be tagged
The NFL offseason is upon us, and as a result, the rumor mill is churning at full speed. Here are 10 players that could be franchised tagged.
The franchise tag is a complex loophole that allows teams to basically sign players to a one year contract extension to prevent that player from leaving the team as an unrestricted free agent. Look at Kirk Cousins and his last two seasons in Washington with the Redskins. Cousins played both seasons under the tag because he could not agree on a long-term contract with the team. It was not ideal, but it allowed the team some flexibility in figuring out their cap situation.
That is what the tag is in place to do, allow NFL front offices an extended period of time to figure out contracts and other financial situations. It can be seen as a loophole that exploits players or a saving grace, regardless, it is an important part of the game. Several high profile players played under the franchise tag last season including Le’Veon Bell, Kirk Cousins, and Melvin Ingram. It will be no different this offseason as multiple big name players are set for a payday.
Looking ahead to the 2018 season, there are countless players who are set to become unrestricted free agents. Only a small percentage of those players are integral enough to their respective rosters to warrant the use of the franchise tag. The fun begins on Tuesday, here are 10 players who fit the mold, and could potentially be tagged in the offseason, let’s dive in.
10. Case Keenum
The Vikings are in for a tricky offseason as all three of the quarterbacks on their roster are slated to become unrestricted free agents. In essence, there is a chance that none of them play for the Vikings next season. However, that is unlikely, and one of Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford, and Case Keenum will return. Any of those three could hold a spot on this list, but Case Keenum would make the most sense.
Bridgewater is coming off a horrific ACL tear and has not played any meaningful snaps in the last two seasons. Bradford, similarly, has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has knees made of glass. Hence, Keenum is the most likely candidate to be hit with the franchise tag this offseason.
The Vikings are estimated to have roughly $57.2 million in cap space this season. Luckily for them, they already have a playoff caliber roster. Their run was ended in the NFC Championship by the soon-to-be Super Bowl Champion Eagles team, they have plenty of talent. This means they have plenty of cap space to pay for a quarterback.
It is estimated that should the Vikings place the tag on this year’s starter, they would owe him roughly $23.5 million. That is quite a steep increase from the $2 million he was paid to sling the rock this season. Keenum is going to get paid, he earned it. All that remains to be seen is what team is willing to shell out the money. Minnesota would be smart to bring Keenum back.