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

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass while being pressured by Shaun Dion Hamilton #51 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 03: Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works against Germain Ifedi #65 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on November 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

9. Shaquil Barrett

At this point a year ago, Shaquil Barrett wasn’t at the top of most team’s free-agent target lists. Barrett, an edge rusher the Denver Broncos signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015, was a solid player who hadn’t really done a ton in the terms of production.

The Buccaneers took a flyer on Barrett, giving him a one year deal with $4 million, and the move paid off in spades. Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks, obliterating his previous career highs and setting himself up for a massive payday in free agency.

There are obvious warning signs here since Barrett has never performed up to this level before, making any long term deal a risk. It is also a tricky spot for the Bucs, who need as much pass rush help as they can get.

If this was any other year, Barrett wouldn’t even be a tag candidate since the Bucs have other players they need to keep. The 2020 rules do benefit Tampa Bay here since the Bucs can slap Barrett with the transition tag.

This solution may be the best-case scenario for all parties involved, with Barrett getting to test the market and Tampa Bay retaining the right to match any offer sheet he gets. Even if Barrett signs the transition tag, he will be in line for a massive salary increase over what he earned in 2019.

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