NFL franchise tag tracker 2023: Latest news on Daron Payne, Lamar Jackson & others who could receive it
NFL teams are finalizing their rosters ahead of free agency in 2023 and making some final efforts to retain some of their top players.
However, not all free agents will agree to long-term contracts with their clubs. Those who don’t will force their team to make a critical decision.
Will the team possibly let this player run or keep him with the franchise tag for another year?
BEST QB OPTIONS: Jets | Panthers | robber | Foal
The Franchise Tag allows teams to extend any player’s contract by a year at a predetermined, league-wide value. Teams must decide to use the tender by March 7, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. ET or they risk losing a potential free agent to another team.
The franchise tag isn’t as widely used as it used to be, but there are still plenty of teams that will use it to keep a high-end player on board. The tag is commonly used with quarterbacks because it keeps the best of the best from getting into free hands and buys each club extra time to negotiate a long-term deal with the passer.
Lamar Jackson will likely receive this treatment in 2023. Daniel Jones and Geno Smith may feel the same way.
But who else could get the tag? Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders to be tagged, along with the latest news, rumors, and updates about players being tagged as franchise tags in 2023.
MORE: NFL Franchise Tags Explained: Updated Position Values, Deadlines and Rules for 2023
NFL franchise tag tracker
Below is a look at the players who have been awarded a franchise tag for the 2023 NFL season.
Daron Payne, Commanders
Tag Estimate: $18,937,000
The Commanders became the first team to use their 2023 franchise tag when they put it on defensive tackle Daron Payne. The 25-year-old was a first-round pick from Alabama in the 2018 NFL draft and helped turn the Washington defensive line into a juggernaut along with collegiate teammate and fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Payne recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022 and was called to his first Pro Bowl due to his strong performance. However, he posted the worst running defense grade of his career – 43.5, per Pro Football Focus – so he has some room for improvement in 2023.
MORE: What exclusive vs. non-exclusive franchise tags mean for Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Notable NFL Franchise Tag Contenders
Lamar Jackson stands out among the potential franchise tag contenders as the Ravens quarterback seeks to secure a long-term deal with the franchise before free agency.
However, there are plenty of other potential free agents who could be tagged if they can’t agree extensions with their current teams. Below is a list of the most notable candidates according to SN’s Dan Treacy:
- Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
- Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
- Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
- Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks
- Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders
- Tony Pollard, RB, Seahawks
- Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs
- Jessie Bates, S, Bengal
For more analysis on each candidate, you can click here.
MORE: Should Ravens give Lamar Jackson a new contract?
NFL Franchise Tag Values for 2023
Below is a complete list of estimated non-exclusive franchise tag values for the 2023 off-season. For more information on NFL franchise tag rules and procedures, click here.
| position | Non-exclusive tag value |
|---|---|
| quarterback | $32.416 million |
| Back race | $10.091 million |
| wide receiver | $19.743 million |
| Close end | $11.345 million |
| offensive line | $18.244 million |
| Defensive End | $19.727 million |
| Defensive tackle | $18.937 million |
| linebacker | $20.926 million |
| corner back | $18.14 million |
| Security | $14.46 million |
| Kicker/Punter | $5.393 million |