2024 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates: No Clear Choices for Teams
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and one of the key events during this time is the franchise tag window. From Tuesday until March 5, teams have the opportunity to tag one player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. This tag would keep the player with the franchise for the 2024 season. However, this year, there are no clear choices for teams when it comes to franchise tag candidates.
Franchise tag figures are based on the top five annual salaries at each position, and the price increases each time a player gets tagged. Teams must decide whether it’s in their best interest to pay the franchise tag price, extend the player, or continue negotiating a long-term deal while using the tag as leverage.
Last year, six players were tagged, including Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who went on to sign a massive contract and win NFL MVP in 2023. This year, however, there are no standout candidates for the franchise tag.
Let’s take a look at each NFL team and which players could potentially be franchise tag candidates:
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: No candidate
The Bills have never used the franchise tag under general manager Brandon Beane, and it’s unlikely that will change this year. The team has several free agents but a tight cap situation, making it difficult to justify using the franchise tag.
Miami Dolphins: Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle
Wilkins had a career season in 2023 and is a key player for the Dolphins. Despite their tight cap situation, using the franchise tag on Wilkins makes more sense than letting him walk in free agency.
New England Patriots: Kyle Dugger, safety
Dugger played a significant role for the Patriots last season and has shown steady improvement. While offensive lineman Mike Onwenu is another candidate, the higher cost makes Dugger the more likely choice for the franchise tag.
New York Jets: Bryce Huff, defensive end
Huff emerged as one of the league’s most effective edge rushers last season. However, the projected tag price for defensive ends is steep, and the Jets may try to re-sign Huff before he hits the open market.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: Justin Madubuike, defensive tackle
Madubuike had a breakout season in 2023, recording 13 sacks and establishing himself as one of the top free agents in the league. The Ravens have not revealed whether they will use the franchise tag on Madubuike, but it’s a possibility.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, wide receiver
Quarterback Joe Burrow has made it clear that he wants Higgins back for the 2024 season. While a long-term deal is uncertain, using the franchise tag on Higgins would be a logical solution for the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns: No candidate
The Browns have several key free agents, but it’s unlikely they will use the franchise tag on any of them. They are more likely to re-sign or replace those players through other means.
Pittsburgh Steelers: No candidate
The Steelers’ free agent class doesn’t have any standout candidates for the franchise tag. Quarterback Mason Rudolph and linebacker Kwon Alexander are among the most desirable to bring back, but their market values are well below the franchise tag price.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, defensive end
Greenard had an impressive season in 2023, recording 12.5 sacks. The Texans could use the franchise tag on him to buy more time to negotiate a long-term deal or explore trade options.
Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver
The Colts haven’t used the franchise tag since 2013, but they could consider using it on Pittman this year. While Pittman has expressed interest in testing the open market, he has also acknowledged that the franchise tag is a possibility.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen, outside linebacker
Allen had a career-best season in 2023, recording a franchise-record 17.5 sacks. The Jaguars are likely to use the franchise tag on him to prevent him from hitting the open market.
Tennessee Titans: No candidate
The Titans have two key free agents in Derrick Henry and Denico Autry, but the projected tag prices for both players are too expensive for the team. The Titans will likely try to negotiate two-year deals with reasonable guarantees instead.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: No candidate
The Broncos have a significant amount of work to do to get under the salary cap, and using the franchise tag is unlikely. They will focus on other priorities, such as the future of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Kansas City Chiefs: L’Jarius Sneed, cornerback
The cost of tagging Sneed would be difficult for the Chiefs to manage, but it’s a possibility if they can’t reach a long-term deal. The Chiefs have been preparing for Sneed’s potential
