10 Notable 2019 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates

Projected 2019 Franchise Tag Values

• Quarterback $24.865M
  Running back $11.214M
  Wide receiver $16.787M
  Tight end $10.387M
  Offensive linemen $14.067M
  Defensive end $17.128M
  Defensive tackle $15.209M
  Linebacker $15.443M
  Cornerback $16.022M
  Safety $11.15M
  Kicker/Punter $4.971M

Grady Jarrett (DT, ATL)

The Falcons rarely use the tag, and have cleared considerable cap space with a few releases already, making a long-term deal much more likely. His current market value also sits at $15.5M.

DeMarcus Lawrence (DE, DAL)

Lawrence has been an elite edge rusher over the past 2 seasons and will command a long-term deal north of $20M. The Cowboys have around $50M to spend right now, but with deals for Dak, Zeke, & Amari also in play, this will be one to watch.

Trey Flowers (DE, NE)

The Pats have been linked to potential tags for Flowers, OT Trent Brown, & K Stephen Gostkowski. Of the three, Flowers seems the more possible, though none are "likely". Flowers was easily the best pass-rush option for a sneaky good Pats defense in 2019. He'll need to take the Patriots discount to stay long-term though.

Jadeveon Clowney (OLB, HOU)

This one seems like a slam dunk, as Houston likely wants another year to see if Clowney has officially turned the corner, while they also possess north of $60M in cap space. He holds a market value of $16.6M heading into March.

Dee Ford (OLB, KC)

The Chiefs have around $25M in space at the time of this post, so slapping a $15M+ tag on Ford will be costly, but doing so may mean others will fall. It's very possible Justin Houston is shipped out via trade/release in the coming weeks to clear room for Ford's pricetag.

Landon Collins (S, NYG)

The Giants defensive rebuild likely stops here, as Collins is too young, and too talented to just let walk away. An $11M tag for a team with $27M of space isn't ideal, so expect something more long-term around $9.5M per year to come sooner rather than later.

Nick Foles (QB, PHI)

It's risky business to tag a player you really don't want, and certainly can't afford in order to trade him, but it appears the Eagles are poised to make this move. He'll likely cost a 3rd round pick, and a restructured extension once he gets wherever he's going. Foles carries a $19.2M market value into the tag window.

Robbie Gould (K, SF)

One of the most accurate kickers since the new rules have been in place, Gould won't be allowed to walk one way or another. The 49ers hold $50M+ of space yet again, so a placeholder tag while they hammer out a multi-year deal won't hurt a bit. A deal north of $4.25M per year will make him the highest paid kicker in the league.

Frank Clark (DE, SEA)

The Seahawks have cleared up enough space ($50M) to offer themselves options with Clark. It's now a lock that he'll be tagged in order to provide more time to hammer out an extension. He holds a $15.7M market value currently.

Donovan Smith (OT, TB)

This is a bit of a tough call, as the Bucs are teetering on a complete rebuild, and Smith has been inconsistent through his first few seasons. But the position should prove too important to give up on, & a 1-year tag to see how 2019 plays out makes the most sense. The 25-year-old carries a $10.2M market value.