Some NFL teams used their franchise tags Monday to secure star players for next season, including the Las Vegas Raiders.
It was an expected move for the Raiders to tag running back Josh Jacobs, who is slated to earn $10.1 million under the tag in 2023.
With all these tags, though, there’s a chance the Raiders and Jacobs could find common ground on a long-term extension. If not, they’ll only have him for one season before he has a chance to return to free agency before the 2024 season.
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Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 7, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
The Raiders could have exercised Jacobs’ fifth-year option after he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
It was a bit tricky though because it would have been an $8 million salary for the Alabama product last season.
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Despite rushing for more than 1,000 yards in his first two seasons, Jacobs had 872 yards in his 15 games of 2021. The Raiders were happy to let Jacobs try to win a new contract with a strong fourth year last season, and he he did that with a career-high 1,653 yards, with 12 touchdowns in 17 games. He averaged almost five yards per carry last season.
Jacobs wasn’t the only running back tagged Monday, as the Dallas Cowboys used it on Tony Pollard. He is set to have the same salary of $10.1 million for next season.
Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Pollard has quickly become a versatile option for the Cowboys, as his ability to make big plays on the ground and through the air saw him on the field for 53% of the offensive snaps.
But Pollard suffered a season-ending injury in the divisional-round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers that required surgery to repair it. Still, Dallas is showing his clear thoughts that he’ll be ready for next season. They might also be using the tag to give themselves more time to sign a deal.
Pollard had his first 1,000-yard rushing season (1,007) with nine touchdowns and caught 39 passes for 371 yards and three touchdowns.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars also tagged tight end Evan Engram, who will earn $11.35 million if no deal is reached. Engram was always a tag contender after setting career-highs in receptions (73) and receiving yards (766) in his first season after the New York Giants let him into free agency last year.
Finally, the Washington Commanders tagged defensive tackle Daron Payne, which is the highest price of $18.937 million for the upcoming season. Payne had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022, which ranked third at his position.
Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown in overtime to beat the Seattle Seahawks 40-34 at Lumen Field on November 27, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
All other NFL teams have until 4 p.m. on March 7 to place a tag on a player or they will head to free agency once the new league year begins on March 15.
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Tagged players have until July 15 to reach an extension before the tag price locks in for the 2023 season.