NFL · 1 year ago

2024 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates: Who Will Get Locked Down?

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Tee Higgins (WR) - Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are in an interesting spot with wideout Tee Higgins. The former Clemson wide receiver is coming off a down year with injuries but is still a crucial part of their offense. Early reports suggest that the Bengals will use their franchise tag on Higgins. It's unknown if Higgins will be a long-term fit with the Bengals, but the offense should be back together in 2024 for another attempt at winning the Lombardi trophy.

Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Bengals are listed at +1500 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Chris Jones (DT) - Kansas City Chiefs
A big chunk of the headlines regarding franchise tags in 2024 will go toward Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. He is coming off another dominant postseason for the Chiefs, and it's getting very pricey for the team to use their franchise tag on him. There's an urgency from the Chiefs to get a long-term deal done, but if they can't, can they afford to franchise tag him with a nearly $33 million price? General manager Brett Veach has a difficult offseason on the horizon.

Kansas City Chiefs 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Chiefs are listed at +650 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Saquon Barkley (RB) - New York Giants
One of the more exciting names to watch this offseason is New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley remains the focal point of the Giants' offense, and it's hard to see them letting him walk away. We know the drama surrounding running backs and the franchise tag, and even though the price is high, expect the Giants to use their franchise tag on Barkley again in 2024.

New York Giants 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Giants are listed at +15000 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Christian Wilkins (DT) - Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have mainly been impressed with Christian Wilkins over the last three seasons. Although Wilkins didn't have an outstanding season in 2023, it's hard to see the Dolphins replacing him in the offseason. Wilkins is a significant part of this defense, and we project the Dolphins to use their franchise tag on him.

Miami Dolphins 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Dolphins are listed at +2000 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Josh Allen (LB) - Jacksonville Jaguars
We were waiting for Josh Allen to have a monster year, which finally happened last season. He tallied 17.5 sacks for the Jaguars, and general manager Trent Baalke has already assured the Jacksonville masses that Allen will be back with the team in 2024. Whether that's under the franchise tag remains to be seen. If they can't reach a long-term extension, all signs point to a franchise tag for the Kentucky product.

Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Jaguars are listed at +3000 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Tee Higgins (WR) - Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are in an interesting spot with wideout Tee Higgins. The former Clemson wide receiver is coming off a down year with injuries but is still a crucial part of their offense. Early reports suggest that the Bengals will use their franchise tag on Higgins. It's unknown if Higgins will be a long-term fit with the Bengals, but the offense should be back together in 2024 for another attempt at winning the Lombardi trophy.

Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Bengals are listed at +1500 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Chris Jones (DT) - Kansas City Chiefs
A big chunk of the headlines regarding franchise tags in 2024 will go toward Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. He is coming off another dominant postseason for the Chiefs, and it's getting very pricey for the team to use their franchise tag on him. There's an urgency from the Chiefs to get a long-term deal done, but if they can't, can they afford to franchise tag him with a nearly $33 million price? General manager Brett Veach has a difficult offseason on the horizon.

Kansas City Chiefs 2025 Super Bowl Odds

The Chiefs are listed at +650 to win the 2025 Super Bowl.