2024 NFL franchise tag primer: Candidates to watch while window is open

How fast does the NFL turn the page to the next season? The confetti was still wafting through the Allegiant Stadium air in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory when the Chicago Bears reminded everybody on social media that they were already on the draft clock. A few minutes after that, the New York Jets teased the release of new uniforms for the 2024 season.

The first significant action of the NFL offseason begins today, Feb. 20, with the opening of the 15-day window to apply the franchise tag to impending free agents.

The tag is a powerful tool for team management to keep the top potential free agents from hitting the open market. In the best case scenario, applying the tag is a precursor to the team and player striking a long-term deal. That's what happened with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who received the non-exclusive franchise tag last offseason, signed a blockbuster contract with the Ravens and was the league's 2023 Most Valuable Player. Less ideal is the case of New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who was tagged after he and the team failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal. He played on an adjusted tag in 2023, missed three games due to a high ankle sprain and, along with the rest of the Giants' offense, was significantly less productive than he was in 2022. Unless Big Blue tags him again or the sides come to an agreement in the coming weeks, Barkley will be a free agent this offseason.

Jackson and Barkley were two of the six players who were tagged last offseason. One big-name free agent-to-be who won't get tagged this offseason: quarterback Kirk Cousins. During his career, he has used the franchise tag to his advantage better than any other player, and