The NFL’s salary cap and the physical nature of the game often play against some of the players.
The teams would obviously have them all under contract for years to come if they could, especially considering that placing them under the franchise tag could be a lot more expensive in the short term.
However, given the way teams have to do business, that’s just inevitable with some of their players.
With that in mind, PFF shared a list of predictions about the players most-likely to be franchise-tagged in the offseason.
The 8 players listed include Brian Burns, Jaylon Johnson, Tee Higgins, Christian Wilkins, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Allen, Kyle Dugger, and Antoine Winfield Jr.
The players we believe will receive the Franchise Tag pic.twitter.com/SPYXxKNh2D
— PFF (@PFF) February 20, 2024
EDGE defender Brian Burns needs to stay with the Carolina Panthers if first-year coach Dave Canales wants to take some pressure off their new-look offense.
The Chicago Bears’ defense was lights out in the second half of the season, so keeping CB Jaylon Johnson should be a no-brainer.
WR Tee Higgins could gauge plenty of interest in the free-agent market, but the Cincinnati Bengals simply cannot afford to lose him right now.
With the Miami Dolphins looking to fix their defensive woes, DT Christian Wilkins must stay at all costs, at least for another season.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. has been an unsung hero for the Indianapolis Colts, and they need to keep reliable wideouts for Anthony Richardson’s development.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense should continue to be a force to be reckoned with if they keep EDGE defender Josh Allen.
The New England Patriots need to keep their defensive identity, which is why S Kyle Dugger is another easy choice.
Last but not least, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to keep S Antoine Winfield Jr. around after the stellar season he had, but they also need to pay Baker Mayfield first.
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