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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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Indianapolis Colts rolls out to block during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

8. Anthony Castonzo

Finding good offensive line help isn’t easy in the NFL, so if there’s a quality lineman slated to hit free agency there’s a good chance he won’t actually get there. The above scenario fits to a T with Colts’ left tackle Anthony Castonzo.

One of the upper-echelon left tackles in the league, Castonzo is 32 years old and should still have a few peak years left. Despite the retirement of Andrew Luck prior to the season, the Colts were comfortably in the race for a while thanks in part to their offensive line.

Castonzo anchored a unit that helped Jacoby Brissett perform well, and Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard has made his front five a priority. Indianapolis also has oodles of cap room, so they can easily afford to tag Castonzo while also improving the roster around him.

A tag is also a wise option since it keeps Castonzo in town while the two sides look to negotiate a longer-term deal. Playing out the franchise tag isn’t a bad option either for Castonzo, who would be poised to earn just shy of $15 million in 2020.

The Colts also know that teams would be lining up to try and sign Castonzo if he was to come free, so they won’t let that happen. Expect Castonzo to return to Indianapolis on the franchise tag.

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