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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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 02: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball as Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints defends in the first quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on December 02, 2021, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

5. NFL free agents likely to receive the franchise tag – Marcus Williams

Our look at the defensive backfield continues here with Williams, who already received a franchise tag from the New Orleans Saints last year. The move made a ton of sense as Williams is an ascending talent at free safety and is just 26 years old.

The tag value for safeties is just under $13 million for 2022, which Williams would fit since it is just over a 120% increase over his 2021 salary. The question with New Orleans comes in regards to its salary cap space, which needs to be fixed after decades of kicking the can down the road.

The Saints are currently $75 million over the salary cap and may opt not to tag Williams if they decide now is the time to finally address their issues. On the other hand, the NFC South should be wide open with Tom Brady retiring so it makes a ton of sense for New Orleans to retain Williams and make another run at the division.

The perfect scenario would be for the Saints to re-sign Williams at a cap figure lower than the franchise tag, giving them more financial flexibility and Williams long-term financial security. Given how valuable Williams is to the New Orleans defense expect them to do everything in their power to keep him around.

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