SEVERAL NFL stars are looking to sign long-term contracts this offseason but could be affected by a league rule.
The NFL's franchise tag window opens on Tuesday, and teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants are set to decide what to do with some of their best players.
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The Franchise tag window runs from February 20 until March 5; during that time, teams can set to franchise or transition players.
What Is the NFL Franchise Tag?
The franchise tag is a roster tool provided to NFL teams to ensure they have a chance to retain an unrestricted free agent.
Teams are not required to use their franchise tags.
And only one is allowed to be placed on a player per season.
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Teams will also have to decide what type of tag they choose, franchise or transition tag — both serve a similar intent.
Franchise tags are fully guaranteed. If the player agrees to a non-exclusive contract, that will allow teams another chance to negotiate a long-term deal with the participant.
If tagged, teams are required to pay based on the top five annual salaries at each position, and the price rises each time a player gets tagged.
What players are likely to be Franchise Tagged?
ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter released a list of potential candidates to receive the tag, and it was loaded with stars.
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Bengals Star receiver Tee Higgins is a leading candidate for the roster move since he has had a stellar career to date with Cincinnati.
In his four seasons with the team, he has caught 257 passes for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Giants Pro Bowl running back Barkley is also heavily speculated to be tagged.
Barkley appeared in 14 games last season and rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns while catching 41 passes and four receiving TDs.
Other big names to watch are Kansas City Chiefs lockdown corner L'jarius Sneed, Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Josh Allen, Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, and many more.
NFL free agency starts on March 13.
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