A few NFL teams on Monday used their franchise tags to sign star players for next season, including the Las Vegas Raiders.
It was an expected move that tagged the Raiders to run back Josh Jacobs, who will earn $10.1 million in 2023 under the tag.
However, with all these tags, there’s a possibility that the Raiders and Jacobs will find common ground for a long-term renewal. If not, they will only have him for one season before he gets another chance at a free agency ahead of 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.
However, it was a bit complicated because it would have been an $8 million salary for the Alabama product last season.
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Despite rushing for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons, Jacobs had 872 yards in his 15 games of 2021. The Raiders were pleased that Jacobs tried to earn a new contract this past season with a solid fourth year, and he did netted that with 1,653 yards, a career-high, with 12 touchdowns in 17 games. Last season he averaged nearly five yards per carry.
Jacobs wasn’t the only running back tagged Monday, as the Dallas Cowboys used it on Tony Pollard. He will receive the same $10.1 million salary next season.
Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in 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 offensive snaps.
But Pollard suffered a season-ending injury in the division round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers that required surgery to repair. Still, Dallas shows their clear mind that he will be ready for next season. They could also use 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 while catching 39 passes for 371 yards and three touchdowns.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars also tag tight end Evan Engram, who will earn $11.35 million under it if no deal is reached. Engram was always a contender for the title after setting career highs in catches (73) and yards receiving (766) in his first season after the New York Giants let him walk into free agency last year.
Finally, the Washington Commanders tagged defensive tackle Daron Payne, which is the biggest prize of $18.937 million for next season. Payne had a career-high in sacks with 11.5 in 2022, placing him third of his ranking.
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 tag a player, or they will go into free agency once the new league year begins on March 15.
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Players who have been tagged will have until July 15 to reach an extension before the price of the tag locks in for the 2023 season.
