Robinson, Godwin among 9 tagged as franchise deadline passes
Nine NFL teams used the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday's deadline, preventing Allen Robinson, Chris Godwin, and other top contributors from hitting free agency in one week.
Justin Simmons, Brandon Scherff, and Leonard Williams all received the tag for a second consecutive offseason, meaning they'll earn 120% of their previous salary in 2021.
Franchise-tagged players in 2021
| Team | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Bears | Allen Robinson | WR |
| Broncos | Justin Simmons | S |
| Buccaneers | Chris Godwin | WR |
| Giants | Leonard Williams | DL |
| Jaguars | Cam Robinson | LT |
| Jets | Marcus Maye | S |
| Panthers | Taylor Moton | RT |
| Saints | Marcus Williams | S |
| Washington | Brandon Scherff | RG |
The Dallas Cowboys technically made Dak Prescott the 10th player tagged, but that move is just procedural while they wait for his four-year, $160-million extension to be processed.
The franchise tag represents a fully guaranteed one-year contract for no less than the average of the top five salaries at a player's position. Teams and their franchised players have until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year deal to replace the tag. Players are not obligated to participate in any team activities until they ink the tender, and there is no deadline to sign it.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay, Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Haason Reddick, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin were among the standouts who avoided the tag and are free to test the open market.
Clubs may begin contacting other teams' pending free agents March 15, and contracts can start being signed March 17, the first day of the new league year.
Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.