The deadline for teams to designate their franchise tag players has passed. Below are all of the players who will not hit free agency next week. Check out our list of top 99 free agents right here.
Getting the tag
1. Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets defensive end: NFL Media's Kimberly Jones first reported that the Jets were planning to franchise the team's best defensive lineman, and they made it official later Monday, per NFL Media's Albert Breer. He would have been a top-five free agent because of his versatility and strength. He will earn $15.07 million if he signs his tender.
2. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens kicker: One of the best kickers in the league was the first player to officially get tagged on Friday. He is due $4.572 million if the Ravens can't work out a long-term deal. That's a fair rate for a top-shelf player at his position.
3. Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills tackle: Breer reported that Glenn will indeed receive the franchise tag. Glenn has evolved into a top-10 left tackle and is a key part of Buffalo's offensive resurgence. He's due $13.7 million.
4. Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears wide receiver: The Bears announced Monday that Jeffery got the tag, which is no surprise after general manager Ryan Pace indicated last week he wasn't going anywhere. Jeffery has proven productive no matter what system he plays in, although his durability is a question. A long-term deal could be complicated to work out. Jeffery will more likely play for $14.599 million, his franchise tender.
5. Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers cornerback: The Panthersannounced they have used their franchise tag on him. The two sides will continue to try to work out a long-term deal, Rapoport reports.
6. Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins defensive end:The first small surprise of the franchise tag season: The Dolphins chose to place the transition tag on Olivier Vernon, the team announced. They owe him $12.7 million in 2016, but any other team is free to sign him to a long-term contract. Don't be surprised if Vernon leaves town despite the transition tag, just like Charles Clay did last year. The Dolphins can match any offer sheet that Vernon signs elsewhere, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Vernon get a quarterback-like deal on the open market.
7. Von Miller, Denver Broncos outside linebacker:The Super Bowl MVP has been hit with the exclusive franchise tag, Breer first reported. The exclusive tag is the first for a non-quarterback since 2007. It means that teams can't try to trade for Miller and he gets a higher salary. The use of the tag for Miller means that Brock Osweiler and Malik Jackson are more likely to hit free agency.Â
8. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins quarterback:The Redskins used their non-exclusive franchise tag on Cousins. The tag is worth $19.953 million. Rapoport reported that Cousins will sign the tender and show up to work under the tag. (He made $2.5 million over the previous four years.) This could be a win-win. The Redskins should see Cousins back up his 2015 play before giving him a long-term deal.
9. Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs safety: Getlin reported that the Chiefsplan to use their franchise tag on Berry. Both sides are working toward a long-term deal.
10. Trumaine Johnson, Los Angeles Rams cornerback: The Ramsused a non-exclusive tag on Johnson, per Rapoport. It's a small surprise. Johnson will earn a big salary ($13.952 million) and the team is apparently choosing Johnson over fellow cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Johnson was ranked No. 22 on our initial free agent list.
Headed to free agency
1. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back: Barring a last-minute deal with the Bucs, Martin will hit the open market next week. No one helped their value more last season. Martin went from an afterthought to the No. 2 rusher in the NFL.
