2021 NFL free agency: Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin leads the franchise tag tracker
The franchise tag wasn't meant for teams to lock up non-stars about to hit the market, year after year.
When the tag came about almost 30 years ago, it was meant for teams to retain quarterbacks or any other huge stars. Franchises now use it to keep good players who aren't necessarily stars, like Matt Judon or Marcus Maye. It restricts player movement, which labor dislikes and makes NFL free agency a lot less interesting than it should be.
It remains a key strategic point of the NFL offseason. Teams have the option to tag players and many of them judiciously use it to keep young players off the market. Here's who got the tag before Tuesday's deadline (this story will be updated through the deadline):
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin
Dak Prescott was again going to be the biggest name to get tagged this offseason, but the Cowboys and Prescott agreed to a four-year, $160 million extension. Godwin became the biggest name on the list when the Buccaneers tagged him. There was little question the Bucs weren't going to let Godwin walk, considering he's 25 and one of the most talented receivers in football. It does mean the Bucs won't be able to use the tag on pass rusher Shaq Barrett for a second straight season.
New York Jets S Marcus Maye
Maye is a good player but he became a franchise tagged player because the Jets aren't paying many players and they might as well use the tag to lock up Maye and perhaps keep working on a long-term extension. Maye has never been to the Pro Bowl in four years. He's a versatile, good starter and the Jets were smart to keep him off the market.
Denver Broncos S Justin Simmons
The Broncos keep saying they want to retain Simons long term but the sides haven't come to an agreement, so Simmons got the tag for a second straight season. Simmons has become a fine playmaking safety for the team, a popular player in Denver and even though a second tag was pricy, the Broncos always planned to use it if a deal couldn't get done.
Washington Football Team G Brandon Scherff
Scherff is one of the best guards in the league and Washington gave him a tag for a second straight year. It's not a big surprise; Scherff is great as a run blocker and a pass blocker, is durable and reliable and Washington has the salary-cap room to absorb a big salary number for a guard.
Jacksonville Jaguars OT Cam Robinson
Trevor Lawrence needs protection, right? It was surprising that Robinson was tagged, considering he is not considered a top-end tackle. New coach Urban Meyer said the team is happy with Robinson's development. It's hard to find quality linemen in free agency, so it's worth it to the Jaguars to overpay Robinson as they get ready to take Lawrence with the first overall pick.
New Orleans Saints S Marcus Williams
Williams was a late surprise on the tag list. The safety, unfortunately best known for missing a tackle on Stefon Diggs that led to the Minneapolis Miracle, has developed into a good player but he was still expected to hit free agency, especially with the Saints' cap issues. Instead, he'll be around for another season.
New York Giants DL Leonard Williams
Williams' career took a step forward after a trade from the New York Jets to the New York Giants, and he'll get the franchise tag for the second straight year as the sides work on a long-term deal according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Williams would have been one of the best defensive players in free agency, but he'll be staying in New York for at least another year.
Chicago Bears WR Allen Robinson II
Robinson is a fantastic receiver who has been saddled with poor quarterback play going all the way back to college. The thought of Robinson signing with a team that has a great quarterback was fun, but he got the tag from the Bears. Unless the Bears get into the trade market, expect another year of Robinson making circus catches on inaccurate passes.
Carolina Panthers OT Taylor Moton
Moton was given the franchise tag, and it's a fine investment at a thin position. Moton has been a reliable player since the Panthers drafted him in the second round, and he's still just 26.
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
It was funny to see Prescott get the tag, but it was a procedural move while the four-year, $160 million extension gets finalized. Happily for Prescott, he won't actually have to play another season on the tag.
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