Despite some whispers of a potential delay, the deadline for teams to place franchise tags on impending free agents was today at 5 p.m. CT. While a handful of players learned that they were slapped with the tag, a number of players naturally learned that they’ll be entering unrestricted free agency. We collected some of those notable players below:
- The Steelers decided to not tag Bud Dupree, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The linebacker was hit with the tag last offseason. The former first rounder had another strong season for Pittsburgh, compiling eight sacks in only 11 games.
- A pair of popular Seahawks players didn’t get franchised: running back Chris Carson (per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero on Twitter) and cornerback Shaquill Griffin (per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter). The team is planning to (at least) make a pursuit at retaining Griffin, per Rapoport.
- The Bengals didn’t franchise pass rusher Carl Lawson, per Rapoport (on Twitter). The former fourth rounder has collected 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons, with Rapoport opining that the lineman is “one of the NFL’s most underrated players” heading into free agency.
- The Lions decided to not franchise Romeo Okwara, according to Rapoport (via Twitter). The 25-year-old had a breakout season in Detroit, setting career-highs in tackles (44) and sacks (10).
- Despite leading the Cardinals with 12.5 sacks last season, Arizona didn’t franchise linebacker Haason Reddick (according to Schefter on Twitter). The former first-rounder also set career-highs in QB hits (16) and tackles for loss (15).
- The Titans didn’t franchise tight end Jonnu Smith, per Schefter on Twitter. The 25-year-old has shown flashes during his brief NFL career, including a 2020 campaign where he set career-highs in receptions (41), receiving yards (448), and touchdowns (eight).
As a reminder, here are the players who have reportedly been tagged over the past 48 hours:
- Bears: WR Allen Robinson (story)
- Buccaneers: WR Chris Godwin (story)
- Giants: DL Leonard Williams (story)
- Jaguars: OT Cam Robinson (story)
- Jets: S Marcus Maye (story)
- Panthers: OT Taylor Moton (story)
- Saints: S Marcus Williams (story)
- Washington: G Brandon Scherff (story)
Can’t believe that the Pats didn’t tag Cam Newton.
What, like in a “pin the tail on the donkey” type of situation?
As in “tag him”, release him back into the wild, monitor him so they can get him back at rock bottom, dumpster diving prices.
Did the author forget about Aaron Jones?
What about him?
Well, the Packers did not use the franchise tag on him, which is what the article was all about. He listed a number of the most prominent free agents who weren’t tagged…I think Jones clearly belongs in that class, especially if Jonnu Smith does.
Jones had his own post.
So have several of these other players that were mentioned…if not their own article, they were included as a part of other submissions
These seem like players not expected to be back with their current team due to finances. Notice the Seahawks portion mentions Carson and Griffin and notes the Seahawks are expected to try to retain Griffin, but didn’t say they are actively talking at a new moment.
The Jones article mentions Jones and Green Bay still in talks regarding an extension with the hope they can hammer something out before free agency begins.
Isn’t Bronco’s Simmons expected to be tagged? Not currently on the list
I would like to see Romeo back with the Giants
Any other occasional Jonnu owners here who also loath Anthony Firkser?
Jonnu is a physical freak! Give him the damn ball