When is the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag?
The Green Bay Packers are unlikely to use the franchise tag this offseason, but potential free-agent targets could become unavailable in the coming weeks.
Teams want to prevent their star players from hitting free agency. In 2022, Green Bay used the franchise tag on Davante Adams before trading him for first- and second-round picks. That deal wouldn't have been possible without the franchise tag, as Adams would've hit free agency.
When must teams decide whether to use the franchise tag this offseason?
RELATED: What is the NFL Franchise Tag and what does it mean?
When must Packers decide whether to use the franchise tag?
Teams will have a two-week window to decide whether to use the franchise tag. It opens on Tuesday, February 20, and ends on Tuesday, March 5. That's it.
Tags can't be used before or after those dates. If a free agent isn't franchise-tagged before the March 5 deadline, they will be free to sign with any team once the new league year begins on March 13.
The Packers are unlikely to use the franchise tag this offseason, so there likely won't be any drama before the deadline.
Which players are franchise tag candidates in 2024?
While Green Bay likely won't use the franchise tag, several other teams could. It's an important tool to ensure star players don't sign elsewhere in free agency. These teams may need to use the franchise tag to keep these players in 2024:
- Chris Jones, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
- Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
- Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Brian Burns, EDGE, Carolina Panthers
- Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears
- Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
All of those players could land significant deals if they become available in free agency, which is why their teams may need to use the franchise tag. Why would a free agent want to sign an extension before free agency? Hitting the open market could increase the value of the deal they eventually sign.
But their current teams could take that option away by using the franchise tag before March 5.
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