NFL franchise tag 2020: 10 players most likely to be tagged

1. Dak Prescott

This is, without a doubt, the easiest call to make on the list. If the Dallas Cowboys can’t agree to a long-term deal with Dak Prescott by March 10, he will be franchise tagged.

This whole situation should have been avoided since the two sides were reportedly close to a deal during the season. The Cowboys ended up balking at Prescott’s asking price, and their stubbornness will likely cost them tens of millions of dollars.

Prescott had a career year in 2019, throwing for 4,902 yards with 30 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions. Dallas also has literally no option for what to do at the position if Prescott leaves, so he holds all the cards here.

If Prescott doesn’t get the exact deal he wants, he could bet on himself and try taking the Kirk Cousins route to free agency after the 2021 season. Cousins didn’t sign long-term with the Redskins, instead accepting consecutive franchise tags before hitting true free agency, where he received a fully guaranteed deal in Minnesota.

That would appear to be the nuclear scenario for the Cowboys, who have a lot of key players they need to pay if they want to contend in 2020. Prescott is first in line, and if he doesn’t sign that tag will be a costly investment since it will ensure the Cowboys lose a few of their other stars hitting the market.