While the franchise tag was used by just 15% of the NFL last year (if you count the transition tag, 19% of teams tagged a player), it remains the tool of choice for clubs looking to keep their best players without saddling their finances with a long-term guarantee. Le’Veon Bell fought the power in 2018, opting to sit out the entire season rather than sign his tender, but it’s unlikely that anyone outside of Bell wages a similar battle in 2019. Still, the first day of tag season is still crucial given that often sets the stage for some of the most high-profile contractual stare downs of the offseason.
Who Could Get the Franchise Tag? Candidates for All 32 NFL Teams
