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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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 05: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball after a catch against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium on December 05, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

6. NFL free agents likely to get the franchise tag – Mike Gesicki

Few NFL positions have more of a dearth of talent than tight end. Teams who can find and develop a tight end that is capable as a blocker and receiver will do a lot of work to ensure those players don’t leave at the first available opportunity.

While Schultz is the top tight end on an unusually deep free-agent class at the position, the clear No. 2 is Miami’s Mike Gesicki. The 2018 second-round pick out of Penn State has become a key weapon in the Dolphins’ passing attack over the past few years, setting career highs in receptions and receiving yards with Tua Tagovailoa last season.

The tight end position is also expected to be emphasized more by new head coach Mike McDaniel, who brings with him the same offensive system that Kyle Shanahan has been using successfully in San Francisco. George Kittle is one of the most important players in that system since the tight end fills a lot of functions, which should increase the value Gesicki could provide to the Dolphins.

Given the fact that Miami has a ton of salary cap room and the franchise tag value for tight ends is light, a tag for Gesicki is definitely in the cards. McDaniel will likely push for the Dolphins to keep Gesicki and the tag is a solid fallback plan if the two sides can’t agree on a long-term deal.

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