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The 2024 NFL offseason is here, and for some teams, the first order of business is the franchise tag.
Not every free agent comes to a long-term deal with their team. While some are able to ink agreements that include multiple years, others can be quite pricey. For those clubs that may not want to commit to a long contract — but also don’t want to see their star hit the open market — the franchise tag comes into play.
The franchise tag allows teams to extend the contract of any one player for one year at a pre-determined, league-wide value. This season, teams must decide to use the tender by 4 p.m. ET on March 5 or risk losing a potential pending free agent to another team.
The franchise tag isn’t as widely used as it once was, but there are still plenty of teams that will utilize it to keep a high-end player on board. The Bengals kicked off the frenzy this offseason by placing the tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Who else might get franchised? Here’s a breakdown of the top candidates to be slapped with the tag and the latest news, rumors, and updates about players who have been tagged in 2024.
MORE: NFL franchise tags, explained: Updated position values, deadlines, & rules to know for 2024
NFL franchise tag tracker
Below is a look at the players who have been tendered a franchise tag for the 2024 NFL season.
L’Jarius Sneed, Chiefs
- Tag estimate: $19.8 million
The Chiefs opted to place the franchise tag on Sneed, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. He’s the second high-profile player to receive the tag this offseason, joining Cincinnati star Tee Higgins. He’s expected to earn a hair under $20 million during the 2024 season.
BREAKING: The #Chiefs have placed the franchise tag on CB L’Jarius Sneed, sources tell @BleacherReport. It will cost a little over $19M.
Kansas City’s priority is to extend Chris Jones for now and they’ll see what happens with Sneed after. pic.twitter.com/RBfalU55bd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2024
Tee Higgins, Bengals
- Tag estimate: $21.8 million
As expected, the Bengals are hitting wide receiver Tee Higgins with the franchise tag. His number is expected to be around $21.8 million fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He becomes the first player to receive the tag this offseason.
The franchise tag number is expected to be around $21.8M, fully guaranteed, for the #Bengals and Tee Higgins. The first tagged player of this window. https://t.co/dsoQEeThv5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2024
Notable NFL franchise tag candidates
Several standouts are potential franchise tag candidates for the 2024 offseason. Below is a list of the most notable names, per SN’s Dan Treacy:
- Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals
- Brian Burns, DE, Panthers
- Josh Allen, LB, Jaguars
- Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Buccaneers
- Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
- Christian Wilkins, DT, Dolphins
- L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs
- Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts
For more analysis on each candidate, you can click here.
NFL franchise tag values for 2024
Below is a full list of the estimated non-exclusive franchise tag values for the 2024 offseason. For more on the NFL’s franchise tag rules and procedures, you can click here.
| Position | Non-exclusive tag value | Transition tag value |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | $38.3 million | $34.367 million |
| Running back | $11.951 million | $9.765 million |
| Wide receiver | $21.816 million | $19.766 million |
| Tight end | $12.693 million | $10.878 million |
| Offensive line | $20.985 million | $19.040 million |
| Defensive end | $21.324 million | $19.076 million |
| Defensive tackle | $22.102 million | $18.491 million |
| Linebacker | $24.007 million | $19.971 million |
| Cornerback | $19.802 million | $17.215 million |
| Safety | $17.123 million | $13.815 million |
| Kicker/punter | $5.984 million | $5.433 million |