NFL franchise tag 2018: 10 players most likely to be tagged

6. Andrew Norwell

What is a guard doing on this list? Typically, if the tag is ever used on a lineman it is a tackle, specifically on the left side. It is a rare occurrence for a guard to be tagged, the last being Logan Mankins in 2011. The Panthers find themselves in a situation where they have a lot of players they want to keep, but not the cap to do it.

Last season the team tagged their stud defensive tackle Kawann Short last offseason, but got an extension done before the deadline. They also gave fellow guard Trai Turner an extension last offseason, so the cap space is not in the best of places this year. The estimate for their cap space is less than $12 million this offseason.

An extension will be a priority for the Panthers as Turner and Norwell have been one of the best guard duos in the NFL over the last several seasons. Placing the tag on Norwell would help the team ensure he does not test the open market. It would also buy them some time to clear some cap space to make extending Norwell easier.

I wouldn’t expect the Norwell to play under the tag this season as a deal is likely to be struck before July, but it is a nice safety net. The Panthers have an exciting roster and a really good defense. With Cam Newton at the helm and the explosive youngster Christian McCaffery in the backfield, it is important to keep the offensive line intact. Tagging Norwell could be the first step in accomplishing that.