Category: NFL

Bobby Wagner’s time away from the Seattle Seahawks lasted one season.

The nine-time All-Professional has returned to the team that drafted him on a one-year, $7 million contract, in response to a number of reviews. Wagner’s no-longer-former Seahawks teammates Quandre Diggs and Tyler Lockett additionally confirmed that the linebacker could be rejoining them in Seattle.

Wagner spent the primary 10 years of his profession with the Seahawks after Seattle chosen him within the second spherical of the 2012 NFL Draft, changing into among the best linebackers within the NFL in that span. He reached eight consecutive Professional Bowls and acquired six first workforce All-Professional nods from 2014 to 2021, and led the league in complete tackles in 2016 and 2019. However the Seahawks launched Wagner shortly after buying and selling franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in March 2022, and Wagner finally signed with their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams.

However the Rams limped to a 5-12 file in 2022, only one yr after profitable the Tremendous Bowl, on account of myriad accidents and poor play on offense. Wagner, nonetheless, remained productive, making second workforce All-Professional whereas drawing reward for his professionalism within the Rams’ locker room throughout such a troublesome season for the workforce. The Seahawks, in the meantime, made a shock run to the playoffs with Wilson’s former backup Geno Smith as their beginning quarterback. 

After the Seahawks prolonged Smith earlier this offseason and the Rams mutually parted methods with Wagner, rumors grew that there is perhaps mutual curiosity in a reunion between Wagner and Seattle, and Diggs repeatedly tweeted his enthusiastic assist of the potential transfer.

Now, Wagner has certainly returned to the place the place he spent the vast majority of his profession because the Seahawks look to construct upon their stunning success final season.

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Between the Bucs‘ salary-cap constraints and life as a 33-year-old inside linebacker, there was uncertainty this spring as as to whether Lavonte David could be again for a twelfth season in Tampa, in a position to proceed taking part in his complete profession for one workforce.

Followers breathed a sigh of aid when the 2 sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal, and David mentioned Thursday he is grateful.

“I am completely satisfied to be again,” David mentioned on a video name with reporters after the workforce introduced he was returning. “I really feel like I’ve nonetheless bought some good soccer left to play, and hopefully I can end it out as a Buc.”

David is now fifth on the workforce’s all-time video games performed checklist with 166, and he’ll be simply the fourth Bucs participant to log 12 seasons in Tampa and never some other workforce, becoming a member of two Professional Soccer Corridor of Famers in Ronde Barber (16 years) and Derrick Brooks (14) and a Ring of Honor member in Paul Gruber (12). Tight finish Dave Moore performed 13 seasons in Tampa, but additionally briefly with the Dolphins and Payments.

“For me to have the ability to come to my twelfth season with one group could be very, very uncommon, particularly nowadays, when everyone’s leaping groups and searching for themselves,” David mentioned. “I really feel like when you begin someplace and also you wish to construct a legacy someplace, you have bought plenty of good issues going at one group, why would you wish to go away?”

David, a nine-time captain, has already put collectively a prolific profession — 1,346 tackles, together with 143 tackles for losses and an unimaginable 27 compelled fumbles. He is spent the final 4 years alongside Devin White because the leaders in the midst of this protection, and whereas the personnel will change each in entrance of them and on the again finish, there is a continuity in having these two in the midst of the defensive huddle.

The Bucs might be significantly youthful in 2023, with quarterback Tom Brady retiring at age 45 and a number of other different 30-something Bucs nonetheless unsigned — defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Will Gholston, receiver Julio Jones, security Logan Ryan and others. Tampa Bay has received back-to-back division titles and nonetheless has a lot of its 2020 Tremendous Bowl workforce nonetheless round, however went a disappointing 8-9 final 12 months, bowing out within the wild-card spherical with a lopsided residence loss to the Cowboys.

“I’ll say the entire season, not simply the tip of the season, every thing was simply so up and down,” David mentioned. “We weren’t constant, and we’re a greater soccer workforce than what we displayed. That playoff loss, shedding at residence in our wild-card sport, we in all probability performed the worst sport of the season. We have been outmatched. We simply did not play the best way we all know the right way to play soccer. One of the best place to redeem myself was to remain in Tampa, to type of end the place I began.”

The Bucs began the offseason about $57 million over the wage cap — Brady’s contract, structured to permit room for extra expertise the final three years, will depend $35 million in opposition to this 12 months’s cap despite the fact that he is now not taking part in. And regardless of these constraints, Tampa Bay’s entrance workplace was in a position to unencumber sufficient area to re-sign David, in addition to younger cornerback Jamel Dean, seen as one of many league’s most coveted free brokers at any place. The Bucs additionally introduced again exterior linebacker Anthony Nelson, with new additions together with quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive deal with Greg Gaines.

Buc signal Mayfield

Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe react to information the Buccaneers signed former No. 1 general choose Baker Mayfield to a one-year deal.

For followers, David may need been crucial, because the workforce’s longest-tenured participant in Tampa, going again to 2012, a run that has had him taking part in for 5 totally different head coaches.

“Lavonte is likely one of the biggest, beloved gamers within the historical past of this franchise, so this can be very gratifying that he’ll stay a Buccaneer,” common supervisor Jason Licht mentioned in a workforce assertion. “It is uncommon for a participant to carry out at such a excessive degree for thus a few years in a single place. He’s the prime instance of a person that you simply construct a workforce round, and we’re ecstatic to have the ability to preserve him in Tampa Bay.”

The remainder of the NFC South has additionally been busy this month — the Panthers employed Frank Reich and traded as much as get the No. 1 general choose in subsequent month’s draft, the Saints added quarterback Derek Carr and operating again Jamaal Williams, and the Falcons have been large spenders each in holding their very own free brokers and including gamers like security Jessie Bates and tight finish Jonnu Smith.

Final 12 months’s NFC South noticed first and fourth place separated by a single win, the Bucs at 8-9 and the remainder of the division shut behind at 7-10. That makes the South very a lot up for grabs, however provides all 4 groups a way of confidence and being within the hunt, a motivation for everybody within the offseason.

“I really feel like we will be a assured group,” David mentioned. “We received the division back-to-back years, and now we’re making an attempt to hunt it for a 3rd 12 months. I am positive everyone appears like they’ll take the division, however I really feel like we have got the fellows within the locker room, with individuals we added which have that aggressive fireplace to have the ability to get us to the place we should be.”

David was prepared to take a major pay reduce to remain in Tampa — he had made $25 million over the earlier two seasons on his final deal, however his new deal is only for $7 million, all assured. In years previous, gamers had taken much less for the prospect to play with Brady and chase a championship, however he mentioned the purpose is to proceed the successful tradition that Brady helped instill over the past three years.

Is Baker Mayfield an improve?

Nick explains Baker Mayfield may probably common extra factors per sport with the Bucs than Tom Brady did final season.

Requested the place the Bucs’ protection can take a step ahead in 2023, he factors to 2 areas — creating extra turnovers and bettering on third downs. Final 12 months’s Bucs completed with 10 interceptions and 10 fumbles recovered, ending the 12 months with a unfavorable turnover margin. The Bucs protection completed sixth final 12 months in third-down conversions, however he is nonetheless on the lookout for enchancment there.

Tampa Bay can have a lot decrease expectations from exterior this fall, with Brady’s retirement factoring closely in that, however David mentioned his mindset is to have a brand new begin with a lot again from final 12 months, giving them an opportunity to indicate a greater model of themselves, on the scoreboard and within the standings as nicely.

“This 12 months, you get a contemporary begin,” he mentioned. “I am wanting ahead to it, and I am positive lots of people are wanting ahead to it as nicely.”

Greg Auman is FOX Sports activities’ NFC South reporter, protecting the Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers and Saints. He’s in his tenth season protecting the Bucs and the NFL full-time, having frolicked on the Tampa Bay Occasions and The Athletic. You may comply with him on Twitter at @gregauman.  

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Magic Johnson has joined Josh Harris’ bid to purchase the NFL’s Washington Commanders, in keeping with stories from Sportico and The Related Press.

Johnson, a basketball Corridor of Famer and five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers who then grew to become a outstanding govt, is already concerned in sports activities possession with stakes in Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles F.C. and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. He was additionally a part of Harris’ unsuccessful bid to purchase the Denver Broncos, who had been as an alternative bought to a bunch led by Walmart inheritor Rob Walton for a document $4.65 billion.

The Commanders are anticipated to promote for extra, which might be the best worth paid for a North American skilled sports activities franchise. Forbes estimates the staff is price $5.6 billion.

Harris together with associate David Blitzer owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Washington-area billionaire Mitchell Rales can be reportedly a part of Harris’ group.

Amid a number of investigations into office conduct and potential monetary improprieties, longtime proprietor Dan Snyder and spouse Tanya started exploring promoting half or all the staff within the fall. Any sale would have to be authorised by three-quarters of NFL house owners, which may occur at their upcoming assembly in Arizona.

Snyder’s possession has been a hot-button problem for years, since a number of staff got here out about office harassment, which prompted a league investigation and a $10 million wonderful. When no written report of Beth Wilkinson’s investigation was produced, the U.S. Home Committee on Oversight and Reform launched its personal evaluate of the state of affairs, which included a referral to the Federal Commerce Fee.

The league retained former U.S. Legal professional Mary Jo White to analyze, and that probe is ongoing. At a league assembly in October, Indianapolis Colts proprietor Jim Irsay mentioned there was “advantage to take away” Snyder — who then employed Financial institution of America Securities two weeks later.

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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The 2023 NFL Draft is simply across the nook. This version would be the 88th annual assembly. Keep updated with our up to date NFL Draft order detailing full checklist of draft picks for all seven rounds; 259 in complete.

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft will happen from Thursday, April 27, 2023 by way of Saturday, April 29, 2023. Here’s a breakdown by spherical:

• Spherical 1: Thursday, April 27, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
• Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 28, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
• Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 29, starting at midday ET.

Soar to every spherical utilizing the hyperlinks under:

Round 1| Round 2 | Round 3| Round 4| Round 5| Round 6| Round 7

The place is the 2023 NFL Draft?

• Downtown Kansas Metropolis, Missouri at Union Station and the Nationwide WWI Museum and Memorial

Notes: 

• The Miami Dolphins lost their first round pick after an investigation concluded they violated league insurance policies
• The Houston Texans misplaced their fifth round pick for a wage cap violation

What’s the 2023 NFL Draft Order?

Spherical 1

1) Carolina Panthers* (from Chicago)
2) Houston Texans
3) Arizona Cardinals
4) Indianapolis Colts
5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams)
7) Las Vegas Raiders
8) Atlanta Falcons
9) Chicago Bears* (from Carolina)
10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)
11) Tennessee Titans
12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland)
13) New York Jets
14) New England Patriots
15) Green Bay Packers
16) Washington Commanders
17) Pittsburgh Steelers
18) Detroit Lions
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20) Seattle Seahawks
21) Los Angeles Chargers
22) Baltimore Ravens
23) Minnesota Vikings
24) Jacksonville Jaguars
25) New York Giants
26) Dallas Cowboys
27) Buffalo Bills
28) Cincinnati Bengals
29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco by way of Miami and Denver)
30) Philadelphia Eagles
31) Kansas City Chiefs

Spherical 2

32) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago)
33) Houston Texans
34) Arizona Cardinals
35) Indianapolis Colts
36) Los Angeles Rams
37) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
38) Las Vegas Raiders
39) Carolina Panthers
40) New Orleans Saints
41) Tennessee Titans
42) Cleveland Browns
43) New York Jets
44) Atlanta Falcons
45) Inexperienced Bay Packers
46) New England Patriots
47) Washington Commanders
48) Detroit Lions
49) Pittsburgh Steelers
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
51) Miami Dolphins
52) Seattle Seahawks
53) Chicago Bears (from Baltimore)
54) Los Angeles Chargers
55) Detroit Lions (from Minnesota)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
57) New York Giants
58) Dallas Cowboys
59) Buffalo Payments
60) Cincinnati Bengals
61) Chicago Bears* (from San Francisco by way of Carolina)
62) Philadelphia Eagles
63) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

Spherical 3

64) Chicago Bears
65) Houston Texans
66) Arizona Cardinals
67) Denver Broncos (from Indianapolis)
68) Denver Broncos
69) Los Angeles Rams
70) Las Vegas Raiders
71) New Orleans Saints
72) Tennessee Titans
73) Houston Texans (from Cleveland)
74) New York Jets
75) Atlanta Falcons
76) New England Patriots (from Carolina)
77) Los Angeles Rams* (from New England by way of Miami)

78) Inexperienced Bay Packers
79) Indianapolis Colts (Washington Commanders)
80) Pittsburgh Steelers
81) Detroit Lions
82) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
83) Seattle Seahawks
84) Miami Dolphins
85) Los Angeles Chargers
86) Baltimore Ravens
87) Minnesota Vikings
88) Jacksonville Jaguars
89) New York Giants
90) Dallas Cowboys
91) Buffalo Payments
92) Cincinnati Bengals
93) Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco)
94) Philadelphia Eagles
95) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
96) Arizona Cardinals (Compensatory Choice)
97) Washington Commanders (Compensatory Choice)
98) Cleveland Browns (Particular Compensatory Choice)
99) San Francisco 49ers (Particular Compensatory Choice)
100) New York Giants from Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (Particular Compensatory Choice)
101) San Francisco 49ers (Particular Compensatory Choice)
102) San Francisco 49ers (Particular Compensatory Choice)

Spherical 4

103) Chicago Bears
104) Houston Texans
105) Arizona Cardinals
106) Indianapolis Colts
107) New England Patriots (from L.A. Rams)
108) Denver Broncos
109) Las Vegas Raiders
110) Atlanta Falcons (from Tennessee)
111) Cleveland Browns
112) New York Jets
113) Atlanta Falcons
114) Carolina Panthers
115) New Orleans Saints
116) Inexperienced Bay Packers
117) New England Patriots
118) Washington Commanders
119) Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit)
120) Pittsburgh Steelers
121) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tampa Bay)
122) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (from Miami)
123) Seattle Seahawks
124) Baltimore Ravens
125) Los Angeles Chargers
126) Cleveland Browns (from Minnesota)
127) Jacksonville Jaguars
128) New York Giants
129) Dallas Cowboys
130) Buffalo Payments
131) Cincinnati Bengals
132) Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco)
133) Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia)
134) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
135) New England Patriots (Compensatory Choice)

Spherical 5

136) Chicago Bears
137) Buffalo Payments (from Arizona)
138) Indianapolis Colts
139) Denver Broncos
140) Cleveland Browns (from L.A. Rams)
141) Las Vegas Raiders
142) Cleveland Browns
143) New York Jets
144) Las Vegas Raiders (from Atlanta)
145) Carolina Panthers
146) New Orleans Saints
147) Tennessee Titans
148) Chicago Bears (from New England by way of Baltimore)
149) Inexperienced Bay Packers
150) Washington Commanders
151) Seattle Seahawks (from Pittsburgh)
152) Detroit Lions
153) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
154) Seattle Seahawks
155) San Francisco 49ers (from Miami)
156) Los Angeles Chargers
157) Baltimore Ravens
158) Minnesota Vikings
159) Atlanta Falcons (from Jacksonville)
160) New York Giants
161) Dallas Cowboys
162) Indianapolis Colts (from Buffalo)
163) Cincinnati Bengals
164) San Francisco 49ers
165) New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia)
166) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
167) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Choice)
168) Arizona Cardinals (Compensatory Choice)
169) Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Choice)
170) Inexperienced Bay Packers (Compensatory Choice)
171) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Choice)
172) New York Giants (Compensatory Choice)
173) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Choice)
174) Las Vegas Raiders (Compensatory Choice)
175) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Choice)
176) Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Choice)
177) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Choice)

Spherical 6

178) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (from Chicago by way of Miami)
179) Houston Texans
180) Arizona Cardinals
181) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Indianapolis)
182) Los Angeles Rams
183) Detroit Lions (from Denver)
184) New England Patriots (from Las Vegas)
185) Jacksonville Jaguars (from N.Y. Jets)
186) Tennessee Titans (from Atlanta)
187) New England Patriots (from Carolina)
188) Houston Texans (from New Orleans)
189) Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee)
190) Cleveland Browns
191) Los Angeles Rams (from Inexperienced Bay)
192) New England Patriots
193) Washington Commanders
194) Detroit Lions
195) Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh)
196) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
197) Miami Dolphins
198) Seattle Seahawks
199) Baltimore Ravens
200) Los Angeles Chargers
201) Houston Texans (from Minnesota)
202) Jacksonville Jaguars
203) Houston Texans (from N.Y. Giants)
204) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dallas)
205) Buffalo Payments
206) Cincinnati Bengals
207) New York Jets (from San Francisco by way of Houston)
208) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Philadelphia)

209) New York Giants (from Kansas Metropolis)
210) New England Patriots (Compensatory Choice)
211) Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory Choice)
212) Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Choice)
213) Arizona Cardinals (Compensatory Choice)
214) Las Vegas Raiders (Compensatory Choice)
215) Washington Commanders (Compensatory Choice)
216) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Choice)
217) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (Compensatory Choice)

Spherical 7

218) Chicago Bears
219) Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston by way of Minnesota)
220) Las Vegas Raiders (from Arizona)
221) Indianapolis Colts
222) San Francisco 49ers (from Denver)
223) Los Angeles Rams
224) Atlanta Falcons (from Las Vegas)
225) Atlanta Falcons
226) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Carolina)
227) New Orleans Saints
228) Tennessee Titans
229) Cleveland Browns
230) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from N.Y. Jets)
231) Las Vegas Raiders (from New England)
232) Inexperienced Bay Packers
233) Washington Commanders
234) Pittsburgh Steelers
235) Inexperienced Bay Packers (from Detroit by way of L.A. Rams)
236) Indianapolis Colts (from Tampa Bay)
237) Seattle Seahawks
238) Miami Dolphins
239) Los Angeles Chargers
240) New York Giants (from Baltimore)
241) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Minnesota by way of Denver)
242) Inexperienced Bay Packers (from Jacksonville)
243) New York Giants
244) Dallas Cowboys
245) Atlanta Falcons (from Buffalo)
246) Cincinnati Bengals
247) San Francisco 49ers
248) Philadelphia Eagles
249) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
250) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (Compensatory Choice)
251) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Choice)
252) Tampa Bay Buccaneers(Compensatory Choice)
253) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Choice)
254) New York Giants (Compensatory Choice)
255) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Choice)
256) Inexperienced Bay Packers(Compensatory Choice)
257) New Orleans Saints (Compensatory Choice)
258) Chicago Bears (Compensatory Choice)
259) Houston Texans (Compensatory Choice)

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NFL free company is correct across the nook, and a few groups have some dear choices to make earlier than the brand new league 12 months begins on March 15.

Groups are capable of place the franchise tag on potential unrestricted free brokers by way of Tuesday. Every workforce can solely tag one participant, which is a completely assured deal for one season if the participant opts to play.

There are two major varieties of franchise tags: non-exclusive, which implies that NFL gamers can nonetheless negotiate with different groups following the applying of the tag, and unique, which prevents gamers from negotiating with different groups. Transition tags are additionally one-year contract provides. Gamers who obtain this tag can negotiate with different groups, however the tagging workforce has the fitting to match any supply.

Franchise tag figures are primarily based on the highest 5 salaries at every place, whereas transition tags pay out a mean of the highest 10 salaries on the participant’s place. No matter the kind of tag, each gamers and groups can nonetheless comply with a long-term deal earlier than coaching camp even when the tag is used. Final season, eight gamers have been franchise tagged.

Comply with alongside right here for the most recent information and rumors:

Anticipated to be tagged

Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys plan to franchise tag Pollard if the 2 sides cannot comply with a long-term contract by Tuesday, the NFL Network reported Friday. Cowboys government vp Stephen Jones beforehand instructed reporters on the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix that the workforce would “greater than doubtless” use the franchise tag, however the verdict was nonetheless out on whom.

Franchise tag wage: $10.091 million assured
2022–23 stats: 1,007 yards, 12 whole touchdowns (9 speeding, three receiving)
Why it issues: Pollard topped 1,000 speeding yards for the primary time in his four-year NFL profession final season, turning into a key a part of Dallas’ offense and, at instances, taking on the beginning function for an injured Ezekiel Elliott. His 1,007 yards and 12 scores in 2022 have been each profession highs for the previous fourth-round draft choose. Pollard’s postseason was reduce quick when he fractured his left fibula within the Cowboys’ divisional-round matchup, which required offseason surgical procedure.

Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders plan to position the franchise tag on Jacobs if the 2 sides cannot attain a contract settlement by Tuesday’s deadline, the NFL Network reported Friday.

Franchise tag wage: $10.091 million assured
2022–23 stats: 1,653 yards, 12 touchdowns
Why it issues: Jacobs, 25, was the NFL’s main rusher in 2022, turning into the primary Raider to take action since Marcus Allen in 1985. He additionally led the league in yards from scrimmage (2,053). He was named first-team All-Professional and was chosen to his second Professional Bowl. Jacobs has rushed for 4,740 yards and 40 touchdowns in his four-year profession whereas catching 160 passes for 1,152 yards. The Raiders beforehand opted to not train the previous first-rounder’s fifth-year possibility final offseason.

Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are anticipated to franchise tag Engram after his sturdy first season in Jacksonville, ESPN reported Thursday.

Franchise tag wage: $11.345 million assured
2022–23 stats: 73 receptions, 766 yards, 4 touchdowns
Why it issues: The sixth-year tight finish had a career-high 73 catches for 766 yards and 4 scores in 2022, reeling in 74.5% of his passes from QB Trevor Lawrence. Engram, 28, spent the primary 5 years of his NFL profession with the New York Giants after being chosen twenty third general in 2017. He boasts 335 profession catches for 3,594 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Formally tagged

Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders

Payne was the primary participant to obtain the franchise tag this offseason, with the Commanders utilizing the non-exclusive tag, the team announced on Feb. 28.

Franchise tag wage: $18.937 million assured
2022–23 stats: 64 whole tackles (32 solo), 11.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 5 passes, one fumble recovered
Why it issues: Payne is coming into his sixth NFL season after initially being chosen by Washington because the thirteenth general choose in 2018. The 25-year-old grew to become the seventh defensive deal with in franchise historical past to be chosen to a Professional Bowl. His career-high 11.5 sacks final season have been third amongst defensive tackles, and he was second amongst all tackles with 21 tackles for a loss. Payne, who has began 75 video games in his five-year NFL profession, boasts 162 tackles and 26 sacks all-time.

Up within the air

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Jackson — arguably the headline title of the 2023 free-agency class — is in search of a fully-guaranteed multi-year deal of roughly $50 million per 12 months, however the Ravens are reluctant to present him such a deal, ESPN previously reported. 

Franchise tag wage: $32.416 million assured
2022–23 stats: 62.3% completion price, 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, seven interceptions in 12 video games
Why it issues: The Ravens are reportedly anticipated to position the franchise tag on 2019 NFL MVP, though it is unclear which tag he would obtain. The non-exclusive franchise tag would permit different groups to barter a take care of him, whereas the unique franchise tag, which prevents groups from negotiating a deal, would pay Jackson roughly $45 million, per ESPN. “I covet nice gamers, I covet quarterbacks, and I like Lamar,” Ravens basic supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned Wednesday. “We wish to do what’s greatest for the membership. We attempt to do what we are able to for Lamar. We wish to make all people completely happy.”

Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants

Jones might be headed towards a franchise tag if the 2 sides cannot comply with a long-term deal, which appears increasingly more doubtless because the deadline approaches. Giants basic supervisor Joe Schoen recently told NFL Network that he wished the workforce was “a little bit bit nearer on a deal than what we’re proper now” however that “there’s nonetheless time.”

Franchise tag wage: $32.416 million assured
2022–23 stats: 67.2% completion price, 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Why it issues: Jones would be the Giants’ beginning quarterback in 2023 — a method or one other — according to Schoen, who has been in “fixed contact” with Jones’ brokers about signing him to a long-term deal. Jones is reportedly in search of a deal price greater than $40 million per season, whereas the Giants favor to maintain his contract nearer to $35 million per 12 months.

Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

One other large title New York has on its radar is Barkley. If the Giants and Jones can comply with an extension previous to Tuesday’s deadline and Barkley is with out a deal, the star operating again is prone to obtain the workforce’s lone franchise tag.

Franchise tag wage: $10.091 million assured
2022–23 stats: 1,312 yards, 10 touchdowns
Why it issues: Schoen beforehand instructed reporters that they have not “completely bridged” the hole however are “a little bit bit nearer” on closing a take care of Barkley, the second general choose by the Giants in 2018. Barkley, 26, was chosen to a Professional Bowl after his first season and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months honors earlier than battling accidents in 2019 and 2020 that derailed his subsequent two seasons. He grew to become a two-time Professional Bowler in 2022 after racking up the fourth-most speeding yards final season.

Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks basic supervisor John Schneider just lately instructed reporters that contract talks with Smith are “trying excellent” however declined to say if the workforce would use the franchise tag Smith if an extension settlement wasn’t reached by Tuesday.

Franchise tag wage: $32.416 million assured
2022–23 stats: 69.8% completion price, 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Why it issues: Final season was a turning level within the 32-year-old Smith’s profession, as he went from being a backup journeyman for a lot of the previous seven seasons to a Professional Bowler and the NFL’s Comeback Participant of the 12 months. Smith, who performed on a one-year, $3.5 million deal final season, and the Seahawks — are reportedly “intent on getting a deal carried out.”

Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs basic supervisor Brett Veach instructed reporters on the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix that it’s “extra helpful for us to get one thing carried out long-term” with Brown however mentioned that utilizing the franchise tag on him is “an possibility.”

Franchise tag wage: $18.244 million assured
2022–23 stats: 1,133 offensive snaps performed, 4 sacks allowed 
Why it issues: Brown beforehand obtained the franchise tag from Okay.C. in 2022. As a result of he was franchised tagged final offseason, his franchise tag price in 2023 could be a bit greater than different offensive linemen.

Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati Bengals

It was beforehand steered that Bates could possibly be a franchise tag candidate for Cincinnati once more this offseason, per ESPN.

Franchise tag wage: $14.46 million assured
2022–23 stats: 71 whole tackles (38 solo), 4 interceptions
Why it issues: Bates performed on the franchise tag in 2022 after he wasn’t capable of come to an settlement with the Bengals on a long-term extension. Cincinnati then used its 2022 first-round choose to draft Bates’ anticipated alternative, Dax Hill. 

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