NFL franchise tag 2022: 10 players most likely to be tagged

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 22: Wide receiver Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers tries to avoid a tackle by free safety Jimmie Ward #1 of the San Francisco 49ers defends during the 1st quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 22, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 16: Carlton Davis #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a penalty during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

8. NFL free agents likely to get the franchise tag – Carlton Davis

The modern NFL is a passing league so teams also need to find ways to slow down opposing quarterbacks. Good cornerbacks don’t grow on trees so the odds of a solid one hitting free agency are slim.

This phenomenon explains why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely use their franchise tag on cornerback Carlton Davis. An ascending young corner, Davis was Tampa Bay’s most effective outside defender against top receivers and is still just 25 years old.

The Buccaneers have used the tag in each of the past two years, including on wide receiver Chris Godwin last spring. Godwin is set to test free agency again but it would not be a wise use of the franchise tag since he is coming off a torn ACL at the end of the regular season.

Davis, on the other hand, is fully healthy and poised to be a top-flight NFL starter for years to come. The franchise tag value of $17.3 million for corners is well worth it for Tampa Bay to not have to worry about finding a capable replacement for Davis.

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