There’s one week until players that have been franchise-tagged can agree to a long-term contract with their teams. If the two sides cannot come to an agreement by the July 15 deadline, the player can only play the 2020 season under the one-year franchise tag. This year has had the most tags since 2012, and COVID-19 complicates things; but will any guys be able to secure long-term contracts in the next week?
QB Dak Prescott, Cowboys
The Cowboys could not have been happy when Patrick Mahomes’ contract came down and blew up the market earlier this week, as it gives quarterback Dak Prescott more power in negotiations. Dallas wants him long-term, but it would be a major surprise if Dak signs this year.
Prediction: No long-term deal
RB Derrick Henry, Titans
It can be risky to sign running backs to monstrous extensions, but Derrick Henry is the engine that makes the Titans offense go. The former Heisman Trophy winner is an extremely hard worker, and it’d give the locker room a boost to see the team leader get paid. I think they might get something done by July 15.
Prediction: Signs long-term deal
OLB Shaquil Barrett, Buccaneers
While Shaquil Barrett has not yet signed his tag (meaning he can hold out into training camp), he’s fully expected to report to the team whether he’s on the one-year tag or a long-term contract. The Bucs might want to lock up 2019’s leading sacker before his price gets even higher next offseason.
Prediction: Signs long-term deal
DT Chris Jones, Chiefs
Perhaps it’s a negotiating ploy, but Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is taking a hard stance on what he wants in a contract. Kansas City barely added any cap space after the Mahomes deal, but they might ultimately bet that Jones won’t hold out for an entire season.
Prediction: No long-term deal
S Justin Simmons, Broncos
Justin Simmons has become one of the top safeties in the league, and John Elway might want to lock up one of the best draft picks he’s made for Denver. Simmons could benefit from a defensive-minded head coach in Vic Fangio potentially pushing to secure him for the next few years.
Prediction: Signs long-term deal
WR A.J. Green, Bengals
The A.J. Green situation feels more uncertain than most. The Pro Bowl receiver has yet to sign his tag, and a trade at some point wouldn’t be a huge surprise considering the depth of Cincinnati’s receiving corps. Overall, he’s very unlikely to sign an extension by Wednesday.
Prediction: No long-term deal
LB Bud Dupree, Steelers
Bud Dupree would probably be happy to play on a tag worth nearly $16 million, but he’d also almost certainly want to stay with a franchise like the Steelers for as long as he can. I believe Dupree and Pittsburgh have a shot to get a deal done.
Prediction: Signs long-term deal
OG Brandon Scherff, Redskins
ESPN’s John Keim reports that “there isn’t much optimism” a long-term deal will get done between Brandon Scherff and the Redskins.
Prediction: No long-term deal
TE Hunter Henry, Chargers
Durability is the main concern for Hunter Henry, and we’ll see how the young tight end is utilized in the LA offense without Philip Rivers under center. Henry is set to play things out on the tag.
Prediction: No long-term deal
LB Matthew Judon, Ravens
Matthew Judon is set to make nearly $17 million on his tag, so he’s likely just fine with working on a one-year deal before hitting the open market next offseason.
Prediction: No long-term deal
S Anthony Harris, Vikings
This is a tough one, because Anthony Harris will turn 29 this season and might take the Vikings’ final best offer before Wednesday, but I lean towards no for a long-term deal.
Prediction: No long-term deal
OG Joe Thuney, Patriots
Some were surprised when the Patriots tagged Joe Thuney, and there’s been trade speculation since the move was made. Thuney will probably remain on the tag for 2020.
Prediction: No long-term deal
DL Leonard Williams, Giants
The Giants were essentially forced to tag Leonard Williams after trading for him during last season, and I suspect they just want to see how things go this fall before seriously discussing a long-term contract.
Prediction: No long-term deal
DE Yannick Ngakoue, Jaguars
There is virtually no chance a long-term deal is reached between Yannick Ngakoue and the Jaguars. The two sides have had a public falling out, and Ngakoue might just not play at all this season barring a trade.
Prediction: No long-term deal
RB Kenyan Drake, Cardinals (Transition Tag)
Kenyan Drake signed his transition tag quickly, and both he and the team appear content to play this season out before potentially striking a long-term deal in 2021.
Prediction: No long-term deal
4/15. Sounds about right this year.
Titans might have issues if they don’t pay the man.
He’s a running back………
It feels like AJ Green has been out of the league for years
Haha true