The NFL franchise tag period is almost over. After two weeks of allowing teams to utilize the tag, the deadline is at 4 p.m. ET on March 6.
The time to tag a player is dwindling for NFL teams, with only three being used thus far.
The Dallas Cowboys used their non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who finished third league-wide in sacks with 14.5 a year ago. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins made sure to keep control of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, although a trade is expected in the coming days. Finally, the Detroit Lions exercised the tag on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, after the former first-round pick totaled 12 sacks.
Going into the final day of the tag window, there are a litany of names to watch. We’ve already heard that the Pittsburgh Steelers are seriously considering using their tag on All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell for the second consecutive year. There has also been a ton of talk about the Carolina Panthers using their tag on kicker Graham Gano.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams might have the toughest decision. Los Angeles could use its tag on either safety LaMarcus Joyner or wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Joyner is one of the best young safeties in the game while Watkins caught eight touchdowns last year from Jared Goff.
Below are the values of each position’s tag this year. The values are derived from the average of the top five salaries at a given position. If a player is tagged for the second time — as Bell would be — the tag goes up 20 percent.
Quarterback: $23.189 million
Running back: $11.186 million
Wide receiver: $15.982 million
Tight end: $9.846 million
Offensive line: $14.077 million
Defensive tackle: $13.939 million
Defensive end: $17.143 million
Linebacker: $14.961 million
Cornerback: $14.975 million
Safety: $11.287 million
Kicker: $4.939 million
Punter: $4.939 million
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The Seattle Seahawks also have options. Seattle could tag Jimmy Graham or Sheldon Richardson, although reports are that the team will allow both to walk in free agency. Graham would be cheaper than Richardson by $4 million, a big difference for the cash-strapped Seahawks.