Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) to intercept a pass before returning the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bears sign tagged CB Jaylon Johnson to $76M deal

Two days after the Bears used the franchise tag to keep him, cornerback Jaylon Johnson secured a $76 million deal to stay in Chicago, according to reports Thursday.

Once the signing is official, Johnson, 24, would become one of the highest-paid players at the position on a deal that would average $19 million per year and reportedly includes $54.4 million guaranteed.

The 2024 franchise tag would’ve guaranteed Johnson a one-year salary of $19.8 million. But general manager Ryan Poles said at the NFL Scouting Combine he felt the sides were extremely close to a long-term deal.

“I think there is really good space for us to find the middle ground. Again, we always have the tag to use, but I really would like to get something done long term,” Poles said in Indianapolis.

A second-round pick in 2020, Johnson was the highest-rated cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2023, allowing a passer rating of 33.3 in more than 500 coverage snaps.

Talks that began more than a year ago included some acrimony.

Chicago’s track record of not setting the market rate at a position even when re-signing its own free agents led to trades in similar situations. When linebacker Roquan Smith demanded $20 million per year, the Bears blinked and traded him to the Baltimore Ravens.

Johnson and the Bears had been at odds since the trade deadline in October, when Poles granted the lockdown cornerback permission to seek a trade. Johnson was hoping for a new deal at the time but said ongoing talks were progressing “slower than expected.”

“At the end of the day, it goes back to respect as well,” Johnson said after the trade deadline passed last season. “You can throw some numbers at someone and hope they take anything. That’s not what I’m looking to do. I’m looking for respect and security.”

Only two cornerbacks average a salary higher than the franchise tender rate: Jaire Alexander of the Packers averages $21 million and Denzel Ward of the Browns is at $20.1 million.

Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was designated the franchise player of the Chiefs.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Tagged: Eight get franchise tag, one transition before deadline

Eight players were given the franchise tag and one — Patriots safety Kyle Dugger — received the transition tag before the NFL deadline for teams to apply the roster safety net to players with expiring contracts.

Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET was the deadline for teams to apply tags.

Introduced in 1993, the expensive but restrictive roster designation affords a team leverage of first right of refusal with pending unrestricted free agents who, in return, are able to sign a one-year tender at premium value based on the existing market value of their position.

While most of the moves were anticipated and had been discussed openly by coaches or front office personnel, New England’s use of the transition tag wasn’t predicted by many.

The transition tag grants a player a one-year salary equal to the average of the top 10 salaries at the position — as opposed to the top five for the franchise tag — but teams forfeit compensation of two first-round picks they would receive if a franchise player signed to join a new team.

The difference is reflected in the one-year tender for Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and Dugger. Winfield would be due $17.1 million with a signed franchise tender whereas Dugger is promised $13.8 million.

All players have until July 17 to work out a long-term contract with their current team to shed the franchise tag.

Players tagged and corresponding one-year tender for 2024:
LB Josh Allen, Jaguars, $24.1 million
LB Brian Burns, Panthers, $24.1 million
S Kyle Dugger, Patriots, $13.8 million (transition tag)
WR Tee Higgins, Bengals, $21.8 million
CB Jaylon Johnson, Bears, $19.8 million
DT Justin Madubuike, Ravens, $22.1 million
WR Michael Pittman Jr., Colts, $21.8 million
CB L’Jarius Sneed, Chiefs, $19.8 million
S Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers, $17.1 million

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) celebrates with teammates after setting the Jaguars single season record for sacks during second quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, December 31, 2023. The Jaguars went in at the half with a 9 to 0 lead.

Jaguars apply franchise tag, retain pass rusher Josh Allen

The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on pass rusher Josh Allen, who would make $24 million next season unless he works out on a long-term contract with Jacksonville before the NFL deadline on July 17.

Allen, the No. 7 overall selection in 2019, played the 2023 season on his fifth-year option and posted career highs with 17.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits in 17 games.

The 26-year-old was voted to his second Pro Bowl and head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke let him know before the end of last season they were committed to keeping him in Jacksonville.

“Yeah, Josh will be a Jaguar,” Baalke said in January. “I know Josh wants to be here, and I know we want him here. Can we come to a number that works for everybody? That’s the key.”

Two edge rushers — Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns is the other — were tagged on Tuesday.

A long-term deal didn’t happen despite a meeting with Allen’s representatives in Indianapolis last week.

Only five “edge rushers,” comprised of defensive ends and pass-rushing outside linebackers, are scheduled to make more than Allen’s franchise tender in 2024.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid player at the position group next season with an annual average salary of $34 million on a $170 million contract that raised the bar significantly last summer.

Montez Sweat, acquired by the Bears in October, is scheduled to make $24.5 million per year on a new $98 million agreement with Chicago. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns ($25 million), Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers ($27 million) and Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt ($28 million) are the only other players in the same range.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs out of bounds as Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) rolls at his feet Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts tag WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The Indianapolis Colts placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on Tuesday ahead of the NFL deadline.

Pittman Jr. will be paid $21.82 million for the 2024 season if he doesn’t sign a long-term contract extension before July 17.

Using the non-exclusive tag blocks Pittman’s exit to free agency but permits him to discuss a contract with other teams. If Pittman signs an offer sheet, the Colts are granted refusal rights and could match the deal to retain their leading receiver. Not matching the deal would net the Colts two first-round picks in return.

General manager Chris Ballard spelled out the need for the Colts to keep Pittman when discussing free agency last week at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Pittman had a team-best 109 receptions, 1,152 yards and four TD catches in 2023. He has 336 receptions for 3,662 yards and 15 touchdowns in four seasons with the Colts.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) returns an interception as safety Eddie Jackson (4) looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bears use franchise tag to keep CB Jaylon Johnson

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles used the franchise tag to keep cornerback Jaylon Johnson from free agency, according to multiple reports.

Facing Tuesday’s deadline to sign Johnson to a long-term agreement or use the franchise marker to block his path to free agency, Poles did the expected after negotiations toward a new deal came up short.

If he signs his tender, Johnson would be set to take home $19.8 million for the 2024 season barring a contract agreement with the Bears before the NFL deadline of July 17.

“I think there is really good space for us to find the middle ground. Again, we always have the tag to use, but I really would like to get something done long term,” Poles said at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A second-round pick in 2020, Johnson was the highest-rated cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2023, allowing a passer rating of 33.3 in more than 500 coverage snaps.

Talks that began more than a year ago have not been fruitful.

Chicago’s track record of not setting the market rate at a position even when re-signing its own free agents led to trades in similar situations. When linebacker Roquan Smith demanded $20 million per year, the Bears blinked and traded him to the Baltimore Ravens.

Johnson and the Bears have been at odds since the trade deadline in October, when Poles granted the lockdown cornerback permission to seek a trade. Johnson was hoping for a new deal at the time but said ongoing talks were progressing “slower than expected.”

“At the end of the day, it goes back to respect as well,” Johnson said after the trade deadline passed last season. “You can throw some numbers at someone and hope they take anything. That’s not what I’m looking to do. I’m looking for respect and security.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers tag S Antoine Winfield Jr.

Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. received the franchise tag ahead of the Tuesday deadline and would make $17.3 million for the 2024 season if he doesn’t reach agreement on a long-term deal with Tampa Bay before July 17.

Entering the offseason with a slew of contract matters to address, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said last week that Winfield was a high priority in a pecking order that no longer includes re-signed receiver Mike Evans.

“I mean, if we can re-sign Mike (Evans) and Baker (Mayfield) and Lavonte (David), Chase (McLaughlin), Antoine (Winfield Jr.) and Tristan (Wirfs), I mean, we should be throwing another boat parade,” Licht said of his free agency to-do list.

Winfield was named All-Pro in 2023 with 122 tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles and three interceptions.

Evans signed a two-year, $56 million extension with the Buccaneers on Monday.

Mayfield becomes the top priority with both sides stating they’re interested in sticking together coming off a division title and playoff appearance in 2023. The clock is ticking on Licht to find the financial leverage to retain Mayfield before the league year begins March 13.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;  Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens franchise tag DT Justin Madubuike

The Baltimore Ravens placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Justin Madubuike on Tuesday after failing to reach a long-term contract agreement.

The 2020 third-round pick earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023, starting all 17 games and finishing with 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits and 56 tackles.

Madubuike, 26, will earn $22.1 million in 2024 under the tag.

“We were unable to agree on a contract extension with Justin before the deadline and will use the franchise tag,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “Justin is a great player and person, and we will continue to negotiate a long-term deal with him.”

Madubuike has 21.5 sacks and 153 tackles in 59 career games (47 starts) with the Ravens.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is shown with the ball against the Jets. The Giants' star running back is on the verge of hitting free agency and there is plenty of debate over his uncertain future with Big Blue.

No tag for Giants RB Saquon Barkley

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley appears headed for free agency for the first time in his NFL career, avoiding the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to apply the restrictive roster marker.

General manager Joe Schoen said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine the Giants weren’t taking the tag off the table, but the team opted against tagging Barkley for a second straight year because of a cost of $12.1 million, according to multiple reports.

“We don’t want to do it. In a perfect world, we don’t want to do that again,” Schoen said.

The free agent market might not produce a massive payday based on the apparent devaluation of the running back position. The unrestricted free agent market at running back includes Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys), who were also tagged in 2023, plus Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans) and Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers).

Being tagged in 2023 irked Barkley, 27, who since made it clear he felt the Giants were disloyal by not making a long-term commitment. After totaling a career-high 1,312 rushing yards in 16 games in 2022, Barkley settled for an adjusted one-year tender offer for the 2023 season. But he skipped voluntary exit interviews with head coach Brian Daboll under an “open door” policy and said he was “numb” to the business side of the NFL.

Schoen said last week the Giants met with Barkley’s new agent during the combine and expressed optimism about coming to an agreement with the two-time Pro Bowl selection.

“I think we’ve all grown — Saquon, myself, the organization, through the last 12, 13, 14 months,” Schoen said, noting that Barkley’s new agent, Ed Berry, is someone with whom they have a “really good” relationship. “Saquon may be in a different place now than he was then in terms of understanding the market and the business side of it. I’m looking forward to having those conversations with him.”

Drafted by the Giants with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley started all 14 games he played in last season, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 41 passes for 280 yards and four scores.

In six seasons with the Giants, Barkley has rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,201 carries in 74 games (all starts). He also has 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes the ball against  Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38)in the first half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs place $19.8M franchise tag on CB L’Jarius Sneed

The Kansas City Chiefs placed the franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed on Monday.

Provided he signs the tag, Sneed will earn $19.8 million in the 2024 season. The two sides can continue to negotiate a long-term deal until mid-July under league rules.

The Chiefs selected Sneed in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played last season on the final year of a four-year, $3.93 million deal signed in July 2020.

Using the tag on the 27-year-old Sneed means it’s no longer available for defensive lineman Chris Jones, who earned $19.5 million last season. The Chiefs reportedly are attempting to re-sign Jones, 29, but he could opt to test the free agent market when it opens next week.

The two-time All-Pro combined for 26 sacks the past two seasons.

Sneed started all 16 games he played last season and made 78 tackles, intercepted two passes, had 14 pass breakups and recovered a fumble.

In 57 career games (54 starts), Sneed has 303 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 interceptions, 40 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns headed for tag

Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns and Carolina are no closer to a long-term contract agreement, signaling the franchise tag is imminent ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Teams can apply franchise and transition tags to restrict pending free agents from hitting the open market without refusal rights.

Multiple outlets reported the two sides are no closer to a contract with the NFL deadline for applying tags set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Burns has 46 career sacks, including 8.0 last season, but reportedly requested a contract starting point of $30 million per season.

First-year Panthers general manager Dan Morgan walked into a hornet’s nest with Burns and his agent, who had an acrimonious relationship with the previous regime. Burns considered a “hold-in” last summer, whereby he would sit out training camp workouts but report to the team in hopes of coaxing a deal out of then-GM Scott Fitterer.

Morgan, who was Fitterer’s right-hand man and a business ally dating to their time in the Seattle Seahawks’ scouting department, said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that he was leaving all options open with Burns.

“We would definitely use it if we had to use it,” Morgan said of the franchise tag option. “We love Brian. Brian’s a Panther. Somebody that I know, that I’m close to. I played with his brother. So, definitely love Brian. But all options are on the table.”

Burns, 25, would be locked in at $24 million as a minimum salary for next season. He would be permitted to negotiate with other teams, unless the Panthers used the “exclusive” franchise tag to limit his options.

In the event another team makes an offer to Burns, Carolina could choose to match that offer or receive multiple first-round picks in return.

Carolina doesn’t have a pick in the first round of the draft despite a 2-15 record. The Panthers owed the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft to the Chicago Bears as payment for a trade last March 10 to acquire the top pick in the 2023 draft used to select Bryce Young.

–Field Level Media