Winners and Losers of the NFL Franchise Tag Deadline
**Summary:** The NFL franchise tag deadline has come and gone, leaving some players tagged and others heading to free agency. Let's take a look at the winners and losers of this year's deadline.
Summary: The NFL franchise tag deadline has come and gone, leaving some players tagged and others heading to free agency. Let's take a look at the winners and losers of this year's deadline.
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The NFL's franchise tag deadline has passed, with eight players receiving the tag. While some players were tagged, others were left to test the free-agent market. The franchise tag can be a double-edged sword, offering guaranteed money for one year but potentially hindering long-term contract opportunities.
Winners and Losers of the Deadline
Winner: Saquon Barkley
Barkley, not tagged by the Giants, now has the chance to explore free agency and find a better fit for his career. A potential landing spot could be the Ravens, offering Barkley a shot at a Super Bowl run.
Loser: Calvin Ridley
Ridley, after a year off due to personal reasons, will now enter free agency without the security of the franchise tag. Finding a team willing to match the tag's salary will be a challenge for Ridley.
Winner: Tee Higgins
Despite wanting a long-term deal, Higgins benefits from the tag with increased earnings and a chance to build his market value in Cincinnati. The rising salary cap works in Higgins' favor.
Loser: Baker Mayfield
Mayfield, not tagged by the Buccaneers, faces uncertainty heading into free agency. While a return to Tampa is possible, his future as the starting quarterback remains in question.
Winner: Chris Jones
Jones, not tagged by the Chiefs, now has the opportunity to secure a long-term deal either in Kansas City or elsewhere. His All-Pro performance makes him a sought-after free agent.
Loser: Antoine Winfield Jr.
Winfield, not tagged by the Buccaneers, misses out on a higher salary for 2024. A long-term deal negotiation window provides a chance for him to secure a lucrative contract.
Winner: Xavier McKinney
McKinney's situation differs from Winfield's, as the former Giant now has the spotlight to earn a big payday with a robust market. His timing aligns well with his free agency.
Loser: Josh Jacobs
Jacobs, not tagged by the Raiders, enters free agency after a career-low year. He faces tough competition among free agent running backs in the market.
Winner: L'Jarius Sneed
Sneed, tagged by the Chiefs, sees a bump in earnings for the season, strengthening his market value for the future. The tag offers financial security while he awaits a long-term deal.
Loser: Brian Burns
Burns, with the non-exclusive tag from the Panthers, seeks a long-term deal after playing under the fifth-year option. Despite his production, Burns aims for a lucrative contract or potential offers from other teams.
The franchise tag deadline has set the stage for an exciting free agency period, with players jockeying for long-term security and competitive salaries in the NFL landscape.
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