NFL franchise tag 2023: 10 players most likely to be tagged

9. Top Franchise Tag Candidates – Jacksonville Jaguars OT Jawaan Taylor

The Jaguars certainly have an interesting dilemma on their hands in terms of how to deploy the franchise tag. GM Trent Baalke has made aggressive use of the tag in the past, notably using it on left tackle Cam Robinson twice before the sides agreed to a long-term deal last winter.

The franchise is hoping not to use the tag again in 2023 but there are two important free agents that could warrant a tag if a deal isn’t reached before free agency. Tight end Evan Engram became one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets a year ago and is a priority to retain, but the smarter use of the tag would be on right tackle Jawaan Taylor.

The 25-year old Taylor has not missed a start since being drafted in the second round in 2019, becoming a steadying presence on the right side of the offensive line. The dearth of quality offensive linemen in the NFL means that Taylor would almost definitely be a goner if he hits the market, a scenario Jacksonville would want to avoid if they want to maintain continuity on the line.

The problem is that the franchise tag for offensive tackles is north of $18 million, which is the going rate for left tackles but a bit expensive for right tackles. The Jaguars could gamble that they can re-sign Taylor at a lower rate than that but the smarter play would be to simply tag him and work on a long-term extension without competition for other teams.