Six NFL stars poised for blockbuster deals as free agency tag snub opens door
Six NFL stars could be set to earn big money as clubs prepare to make significant franchise tag decisions. Those overlooked for the franchise tag could secure more profitable deals as they become free agents.
The NFL offseason is about to get exciting as all 32 teams prepare to make important decisions about their squads for the upcoming 2024 season. The franchise tag window has opened earlier, meaning teams must decide whether to use the franchise tag or transition tag on players whose contract is expiring.
While some teams will use the franchise tag straight away hoping to negotiate a long-term deal before free agency, others will wait. But for the players who are not tagged, a big-money contract could be just around the corner.
Here are six players who could land a mega-deal in free agency if they're overlooked for the tag:
Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Baker Mayfield took a gamble on himself ahead of the 2023 season, signing a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. He's certainly found his place in Florida, leading the Bucs to the NFC South title and a Wild Card playoff win while completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns along with a 94.6 passer rating.
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However, with the Bucs likely to tag safety Antoine Winfield Jr., Mayfield could be in for a big payday following his standout season. The former first overall pick of the NFL Draft certainly played well enough to earn a long-term deal, and if teams in need of a quarterback start a bidding war for his services, his salary could rise.
Baker Mayfield secured a Pro Bowl nod for the first time in his career this past season (Getty Images)Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)
It will be fascinating to see how much Derrick Henry can command. He's one of the most powerful running backs in recent NFL history, but he turned 30 last month - an age when running backs typically see their market value drop sharply.
Henry played all 17 games in 2023 and finished second only to Christian McCaffrey with 1,167 rushing yards. 'King' Henry should have teams interested in adding a reliable veteran to their roster after already saying his goodbyes to Tennessee, and he could get a pretty good deal if a contending team see him as a solution - despite a depressed market for running backs.
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Derrick Henry was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 (Getty Images)Danielle Hunter (Minnesota Vikings)
Hunter thrived under Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores' system, using his speed and strength as Minnesota frequently blitzed. Once known for being injury-prone, his fitness problems are now behind him after a dominant 2023 season.
Hunter, who is still just 29, is an experienced pass-rusher and was among the top sack-makers in the NFL with 16.5. He ended the season with over 900 snaps and more than 70 pressures on the quarterback, along with his double-digit sacks.
Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs)
The defensive star of Kansas City Chiefs, could be tagged by the Super Bowl champions. However, he might prefer unrestricted free agency as it could land him more than £25 million ($33 million). Jones is one of the best interior pass rushers around, with 10.5 sacks in Super Bowl LVIII. If winning is his goal, staying in Kansas City would be wise as he looks to add a third champions ring, but a bigger contract could lure him elsewhere.
Chris Jones disrupted the 49ers offense as the Chiefs defended their Super Bowl title (Getty Images)Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)
Barkley has made it clear he doesn't want to play on the tag again having been franchise-tagged before the 2023 season. He eventually agreed terms on a one-year deal, but becomes eligible for the franchise tag again 12 months on.
If he becomes available, the former second-overall pick will be highly sought after. Despite playing behind the worst offensive line in the NFL last year, he managed to rush for 962 yards and score six touchdowns. But
Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
All eyes are on Florida and the ultra productive Buccaneers receiver. Like Mayfield, Evans could become available if the tag is placed on Winfield. The 30 year old has achieved over 1,000 yards in every season of his career, hitting 1,255 in 2023 along with an NFL-high 13 touchdowns.
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Even though he's still a great pass-catcher, Evans will be 31 years old which might affect how much he can earn. He is said to be looking for a deal similar to the top receivers, which is between £19-23 million ($25-30 million).
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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