Franchise-tagged stars join stacked list of contract-year players
The NFL's deadline for teams to extend franchise-tagged players came and went Monday, with four talented veterans set to play under the one-year tag before hitting the open market next year.
With that, the 2019 free-agent class is set to be as star-studded as ever, though several teams will likely sign their stars to extensions before or during the season.
Let's examine the stacked list of potential 2019 free agents, starting with the four franchise-tagged players, who can't be extended during the season.
Le'Veon Bell: One of the league's top offensive weapons, Bell is set to make $14.54 million under his second franchise tag. His agent claims 2018 will likely be the running back's final year in Pittsburgh, so Bell could be the main attraction of the 2019 free-agent class if the other big names sign extensions.
DeMarcus Lawrence: The Cowboys' star pass-rusher will earn $17.13 million after being franchised. Dallas could tag Lawrence again in 2019, but both sides would prefer to work out a long-term deal.
Ezekiel Ansah: The veteran defensive end is also set to make $17.13 million in his age-29 season. Detroit is taking a wait-and-see approach with their edge rusher, so Ansah could find himself on a new club in 2019.
Lamarcus Joyner: At $11.29 million, Joyner's 2018 salary is the lowest among his franchise-tagged peers. Although the Rams are up against the cap this year, they're set to have the third-most cap space in 2019. Their star safety has yet to skip team activities despite his desire for a long-term contract.
And now, a look at the rest of the NFL stars entering their contract year:
Odell Beckham Jr., Giants
2018 salary: $8.46 million
One of the NFL's brightest stars, Beckham is criminally underpaid. The wideout fractured his left ankle early in 2017, but reached 300 career receptions faster than any player in league history before going down. With 38 touchdowns in 47 career games and countless highlight-reel catches, Beckham has cemented himself as a top-tier playmaker.
If he stays healthy, he's in for a massive payday in 2019. The former first-round pick did claim he wouldn't hold out of training camp even if a deal isn't reached, but the Giants don't want their superstar receiver to hit the open market. A deal could be agreed upon prior to Week 1. Either way, Beckham is set to become the NFL's highest-paid receiver.
Aaron Donald, Rams2018 salary: $6.89 million
Donald is one of the best players in the league, so the Rams likely won't let him hit the open market after his rookie contract expires. The defensive tackle has skipped all offseason activities in hopes of a new deal, and rightly so. Less than $7 million for a top-five NFL player is highway robbery.
Whether via a long-term extension or the franchise tag, Donald is expected to stay in Los Angeles in 2019. One thing is clear, though: the versatile interior lineman isn't far away from becoming the NFL's richest defender.
Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders2018 salary: $13.85 million
Another member of the star-studded 2014 draft, Mack is also due to break the bank in the near future. The dominant edge rusher skipped Raiders OTAs and minicamp earlier this year in hopes a new contract. In the final year of his rookie deal, he could hold out of training camp as well.
One way or another, Oakland will be determined to keep its young edge rusher happy and not let him hit the open market. Teams usually try to appease their franchise talents, so the Raiders could lock him up prior to Week 1. For now, though, his status is up in the air. If he does reach free agency, Mack would command a megadeal.
David Johnson, Cardinals
2018 salary: $1.88 million
In the last year of his rookie contract, Johnson is playing under one of the most team-friendly deals in the NFL. Despite missing most of the 2017 season with a wrist injury, the former third-round selection remains one of the most dangerous and versatile running backs in the league.
Johnson skipped mandatory minicamp in June, but Cardinals general manager Steve Keim seems intent on extending his star rusher before he hits the open market in 2019.
Ndamukong Suh, Rams2018 salary: $14 million
Instead of signing a long-term contract after being released by the Miami Dolphins, Suh opted for a one-year deal with the Rams. If the defensive tackle dominates once again in 2018, the decision could turn out to be a great one.
With a number of players entering contract years - most notably Aaron Donald - the Rams may not be able to afford Suh next season. This could lead to a bidding war for the former All-Pro's services.
Tyrod Taylor, Browns2018 salary: $10 million
Taylor is expected to lead Cleveland's offense in 2018, but his future after that is murky. With No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield waiting in the wings, the former Buffalo Bills pivot may have to find a new club in 2019.
If Taylor is successful with the Browns' revamped supporting cast, a long-term contract may be on the table. Either way, the signal-caller's track record and reliability will spark a great deal of interest.
Earl Thomas, Seahawks
2018 salary: $8.5 million
Whether Thomas remains on this list is contingent on whether the Seahawks trade, release, or retain him. The former All-Pro safety provided a strict ultimatum to his team Monday, and has threatened to hold out beyond training camp. His desire to play for the Dallas Cowboys is well-documented, as well.
Thomas is looking for top-safety money, but he may not get it in Seattle.
Mark Ingram, Saints2018 salary: $4 million
Ingram's situation is perhaps the most interesting on this list. Coming off a stellar 2017 season, the Saints running back was suspended for the first four games in 2018. His suspension, coupled with the emergence of Alvin Kamara, might lead to a decrease in touches, despite head coach Sean Payton splitting the duo's workload effectively in the past.
If the veteran has another solid year, he could look for a long-term contract from another team, and with it the opportunity to dominate backfield carries. Either way, Ingram is due for a raise.
Nick Foles, Eagles
2018 salary: $4 million
The reigning Super Bowl MVP has expressed interest in being a starting quarterback. Given the Eagles are clearly Carson Wentz's team, that opportunity would occur elsewhere.
For now, Foles is expected to play out the final year of his contract as a backup, barring another injury to Wentz. Where the veteran lands, whether he's given an opportunity to start, and how much money he commands will be one of the more interesting stories to monitor next offseason.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
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