The NFL season begins in just under 60 days, and the usual excitement is back in the air. Fans ready to storm the stands, cheering at the top of their lungs for their favorite players. Rookies eager to achieve their dreams and place their stamp on the league and veterans prepared to make runs for the playoffs. It's an enjoyable time, and the country is ready to return to football. But as always, the offseason comes first.
Around this time, the focus of the NFL is placed on the boardrooms and front offices of every team. From free agent signings to trades, the managers take the spotlight of the football world. And around this time, one aspect becomes very important: contract extensions. Players hoping to get their money's worth in negotiations, and teams hoping to lock down cornerstone stars. But for those who can't come to an agreement, there comes the franchise tag.
Quite a few players got the tag this offseason, some a surprise, others not so much. Here are some of the most notable names hit with the tag for the 2021 season.
What is the NFL franchise tag?
For those who don't know, a franchise tag is a contract every team can give one player to ensure they remain with the team for one more year. It's often used when long-term negotiations come to a halt, with neither side agreeing on a deal. The value is dictated by the average of the top five salaries of that certain player's position, or 120% of the player's previous salary, whichever is the highest.
With that understood, let's jump in.
Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's not often you see a Super Bowl champion given such a short-term deal. While Chris Godwin was often a secondary target this year (understandably, considering Tampa Bay's weapons in Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, and Rob Gronkowski), he still put up 840 yards on 65 receptions, adding on seven touchdowns. He had a breakout year back in 2019, racking up 1,333 yards on top of nine touchdowns, emerging as another threat to the Bucs' deep roster.
While he may be tagged this year, Tampa Bay is still very committed to Godwin. As reported by Ian Rapoport for NFL Network, the Bucs will likely pursue a deal next offseason, viewing him as a core player. This year, however, Godwin will play under a $15.9 million contract.
Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
For Allen Robinson, getting the franchise tag isn't quite the surprise. From the Jets to the Ravens to the Packers, Allen Robinson seemed content going to any team not named the Bears. As a pending free agent this offseason, he was obviously looking at every option. And yet, Chicago had no intention of their own in letting the star go for nothing. After all, Robinson had another fantastic season last year, putting up 1,250 yards on 102 receptions, scoring six touchdowns as well.
The two sides couldn't come together, and Chicago administered the tag to ensure Robinson stayed in town. However, it doesn't seem as though he is content with that either.
Chicago will have to figure out a way to keep their number one option on the team and convince him of the Bears' future. In the meantime, he'll be making $18 million with the tag in effect.
Justin Simmons, Safety, Denver Broncos
Justin Simmons has emerged as one of the best defensive weapons in football. He made his first Pro Bowl last year with 95 combined tackles and five interceptions, both career highs. Just this week, NFL execs, scouts, coaches, and players ranked Simmons as the second-best safety in the league.
Such praise is not lost on the Broncos, who look to sign Simmons to a deal next offseason. Denver GM George Paton made a statement Friday reiterating their commitment to keeping the safety in the Mile High City, saying, “We are completely focused on making sure Justin remains a big part of the Denver Broncos for many years to come.”
For now, though, Simmons will remain on the team for $13.73 million.
Brandon Scherff, Guard, Washington Football Team
Brandon Scherff is renowned as one of the best guards in the game, making four Pro Bowls over the past five years. He also made his first All-Pro team just last year. Scherff played under the franchise tag in the 2020 season, making $15 million.
After winning the NFC East, Washington was able to make the playoffs, although they were quickly eliminated by the eventual champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card. After that game, Scherff spoke with reporters, citing his desire to remain in the Capital.
“I’ve always said I want to stay where I got drafted. . . I’ve been here for six years, and I absolutely love it here . . . We are building something here to absolutely make a run for it in the future.”
Scherff will make $18 million this year, and Washington will have that time to ensure the guard is there to stay.
Marcus Maye, Safety, New York Jets
Marcus Maye was asked to step up this year in a big way. With the trade of Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks, the safety became the lone star of the Jets secondary. He made his mark, getting 82 combined tackles, 11 pass deflections, two sacks, and two forced fumbles, all of which were career highs.
New York had planned to keep Maye in town for quite a while; GM Joe Douglas made a statement back in March wanting to ensure the safety stayed in Gotham.
“Marcus is a valuable member of this organization . . . He's smart, reliable and has provided outstanding leadership. Our plan hasn't changed. We're in the process of working to have Marcus be here long term.”
Despite this, reports came of the Jets lowballing the safety, and the two camps stalled. It remains to be seen if the sides can come together to keep Maye with the Jets. Until then, he'll play under the tag for $10.6 million.
While these players' futures in the NFL are secure for now, there are bound to be even more stories in the upcoming offseason. We could be seeing these players play their last years in their current uniforms or suit up for another five years. Such is the excitement and suspense of the NFL.
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