NFL franchise tag 2021: 10 players most likely to be tagged

1. Franchise tag candidates – Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

The situation surrounding Dak Prescott’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys is quite bizarre. The two sides were reportedly close to a deal before talks broke down in the end stages, which backfired on Dallas as the quarterback market exploded shortly afterwards.

Prescott played 2020 on the franchise tag, earning $31.4 million, but he also suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5. It’s unclear if that injury has made the Cowboys hesitant to sign Prescott long-term, which would all but certainly set the stage for a second straight tag.

That tag would help Prescott earn $37.7 million in 2021, setting him up to go down the Kirk Cousins path and reach unrestricted free agency in 2022 if a deal isn’t struck. Cousins parlayed his situation into a fully-guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings, offering a road map for Prescott if he wants to bet on himself for one more year.

There is no question that the Cowboys will use the franchise tag to keep Prescott around for 2021. If there is no long-term deal reached, however, there is a strong possibility that Prescott will finally reach true free-agency after next season.