Some NFL teams used their franchise tags on Monday to lock up star players for next season, including the Las Vegas Raiders.
It was an expected move that the Raiders tagged for running back Josh Jacobs, who is set to make $10.1 million under the tag in 2023.
However, with all those tags, it’s likely that the Raiders and Jacobs find common ground on a long-term extension. If not, they’ll only have him for one more season before getting a chance at free agency again before 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 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
The Raiders could exercise Jacobs’ fifth-year option after he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
However, that was a little complicated because that 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 in 2021. The Raiders were content to try to earn Jacobs a new contract last season with a solid fourth year, and he did so with 1,653 yards, a career-high, and 12 touchdowns in 17 games. He averaged nearly five yards per carry last season.
Jacobs wasn’t the only running back tagged on Monday as the Dallas Cowboys used it on Tony Pollard. He has a $10.1 million salary for 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 the offensive snaps.
But Pollard suffered a season-ending injury in a divisional round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers that required surgery to repair. Still, Dallas is showing his clear thoughts that he will be ready for next season. They can 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 tagged tight end Evan Engram, who will make $11.35 million under that if no deal is made. Engram was always a candidate for the tag after setting career highs in catches (73) and receiving yards (766) in his first season after the New York Giants let him go in free agency last year.
Finally, the Washington Commanders tagged defensive tackle Darron Payne, who has a top value of $18.937 million for next season. Payne had a career-high in sacks with 11.5 in 2022, which ranked third at his position.
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 March 7 at 4 p.m. to tag a player or they will go into free agency when the new league year begins on March 15.
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Tagged players have until July 15 to reach an extension before the tag price is locked in for the 2023 season.
