Franchise Tag Winners and Losers: Saquon Barkley, Tee Higgins Among Those Impacted
The NFL’s franchise tag deadline has come and gone, and with it, the fate of several players has been sealed. While eight players were franchise tagged, there were just as many who were not tagged and will now have the opportunity to test the free agency market. Let’s take a closer look at the winners and losers of this year’s franchise tag deadline.
Winner: RB Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley, the star running back for the New York Giants, was not tagged, which means he now has the chance to explore other options in free agency. Barkley, who has been with the struggling Giants for several seasons, can now look for a better situation with another team. One potential landing spot for Barkley could be the Baltimore Ravens, who narrowly missed out on playing in last year’s Super Bowl.
Loser: WR Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley, the talented wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, was a candidate for the franchise tag after leading his team in receiving yards last season. However, Ridley was not tagged, which means he will enter free agency. While he will likely find a new team, it may be difficult for him to secure a contract that matches the amount he would have earned under the tag.
Winner: WR Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins, the wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, may have preferred a long-term deal, but being tagged still has its benefits. By receiving the franchise tag, Higgins has doubled his career earnings and will have another year to play alongside quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Additionally, Higgins’ market value may increase after recovering from an injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of last season.
Loser: QB Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was not tagged, which means he now has less than a week to agree to a contract before the start of free agency. While Mayfield may still have a chance to be the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback next season, not being tagged puts his future with the team into question. It is unlikely that Mayfield will earn anywhere near the guaranteed $38.3 million he would have received under the tag.
Winner: DT Chris Jones
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, was not tagged, which means he will either sign a long-term deal with the Chiefs or explore other options in free agency. If Jones and the Chiefs do not come to terms on a long-term deal, he will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the NFL. Jones’ performance last season, which included earning his second All-Pro nod, has solidified his status as a top defensive player.
Loser: Antoine Winfield Jr.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was expected to enter free agency as one of the top available safeties. However, he was tagged by the Buccaneers, which means he will make over a million dollars less than his projected market value in 2024. Winfield and the Buccaneers have until July 17 to negotiate a long-term deal, but it remains to be seen if they will reach an agreement.
Winner: S Xavier McKinney
Unlike Antoine Winfield Jr., safety Xavier McKinney was not tagged by his team, the New York Giants. This means McKinney now has the opportunity to cash in on a big payday in free agency. With Winfield off the market, McKinney should attract significant interest from teams looking to bolster their secondary. His solid performance over the past four seasons with the Giants has positioned him as a desirable free agent.
Loser: RB Josh Jacobs
Running back Josh Jacobs, who played for the Las Vegas Raiders, was not tagged, which means he will enter free agency. Jacobs had expressed a desire to stay with the Raiders, but the team’s decision not to tag him has put his future with the franchise in doubt. Jacobs’ performance last season, where he averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry, may have contributed to the Raiders’ decision.
Winner: CB L’Jarius Sneed
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, was tagged, which means he will make approximately $3.5 million more than his projected market value for this season. While he will have to wait for a long-term deal, Sneed’s tag gives him the opportunity to earn a significant amount of money while also increasing his market value for the future.
Loser: LB Brian Burns
Linebacker Brian Burns, who plays for the Carolina Panthers, was given the non-exclusive tag. This means that teams can negotiate with him once free agency begins. If another team offers Burns a contract, the Panthers can choose to match the offer or let him go while receiving two first-round picks. Burns had expressed a desire