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

Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) reacts to a defensive play against the New York Giants during overtime at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders use franchise tag on DT Daron Payne

Defensive tackle Daron Payne will not reach free agency next month after the Washington Commanders used the franchise tag to retain him on Tuesday.

The Commanders made the move official after releasing a brief statement: “We have applied the franchise tag to DT Daron Payne.”

Payne is guaranteed a 2023 salary of $18.937 million if the two sides can’t reach a long-term contract agreement by July 15.

The 25-year-old Alabama product was a wrecking ball in his contract year and was voted to the Pro Bowl last season with 64 tackles (18 for loss), 20 QB hits, 11.5 sacks, five passes defensed and a fumble recovery.

Selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Payne has played in 81 games (75 starts), compiling 291 tackles (40 for loss), 55 quarterback hits, 26 sacks, 14 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a safety.

The Commanders’ defense was third in the NFL in yards allowed last season.

Washington was active Monday, releasing quarterback Carson Wentz and defensive back Bobby McCain to save more than $26 million toward the 2023 salary cap.

–Field Level Media