The NFL’s franchise tag window opens on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. ET, allowing teams to franchise tag players. The window closes on March 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
Last year, the Bears used the tag on Jaylon Johnson when they couldn’t secure a long-term deal—though they ultimately reached an extension. Johnson signed a four-year, $76M contract. This offseason, the Bears don’t have an obvious candidate for the franchise tag, but they could still use it in a surprising way. Two possible, albeit unconventional, options are guard Teven Jenkins and wide receiver Keenan Allen.
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What Would Tagging Teven Jenkins Look Like?
The projected franchise tag for an offensive lineman is $25 million—an expensive price for a player who has appeared in just 45 games over four seasons. When healthy, Jenkins is a very good starter, and the Bears need depth. Could they tag him as a negotiation tactic for a long-term deal, similar to Jaylon Johnson? Possibly, but it’s more likely Jenkins is on his way out.
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What Would Tagging Keenan Allen Look Like?
Allen was a reliable target for rookie QB Caleb Williams last season and has expressed interest in returning.
Keenan Allen said he'd like to run it back with the Bears next season. pic.twitter.com/SkOliP9Ust
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 5, 2024
However, with only one or maybe two big contracts left in his career, Allen may want to chase the money. The Bears could tag him at $25.6 million, but only if Allen is open to playing on it. GM Ryan Poles would likely respect his preference. A two-year deal seems more probable if Allen truly wants to stay; otherwise, he’ll likely test free agency.
Will the Bears Use the Franchise Tag?
While tagging Jenkins or Allen is possible, the Bears are in a unique position this offseason. With ample cap space and draft capital, they don’t need to use the tag. Instead, they can negotiate from a position of strength. Unless the tag is used as a strategic leverage tool in contract talks, the Bears will likely pass on it this year.
Caleb Williams Reveals Ben Johnson’s Blunt Words From First Conversation
@ Dr. Melhus – Swift was with Detroit when Coach Johnson decided to bring in Montgomery, whom Poles let walk over contract, and Jahmyr Gibbs to upgrade the position.
Whether he is “feared” or not, I don’t know. That’s in the eye of the beholder. I do know that Coach Johnson had his services and found them insufficient to task. Actually, I’d agree with you to some extent – Swift is not a bad back. But it certainly appears Coach Johnson has found him lacking.
@Dr. Melhus — Let’s speak of context, of passing time, and of spending Ms. Virginia’s money. In order to determine the true level of success achieved in any acquisition; one must also determine all the player value that was forfeited in the process. Let’s start with an accepted standard. Now, PFF grades do not make one NFL player better than another — but PFF does review every play of each NFL season — and that’s more than any of Erik Lambert’s avid readers have claimed, to date. So, that’s where we will begin. Review the 2024 PFf grades of some… Read more »
Well, if we are making lists of supposed “good” players acquired by Poles, we should also point out that three of them – Sweat, Edwards, and DJ Moore – almost immediately required new contracts. Two of them – Sweat and Brisker – have not played a full load of downs due to health issues, which I think most people acknowledge. Two of them – Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze – both of whom I personally have repeatedly praised, but still must acknowledge performed in their only NFL season below numerous players drafted at their own positions in the same draft…… Read more »
Dave, What was the name of Yogi Bear’s girlfriend?
@TGena: A disaster at acquiring playmakers?
DJ Moore
Caleb Williams
Rome Odunze
Kyler Gordon
Jaquan Brisker (when healthy)
TJ Edwards
Montez Sweat
And for all that you rail how Swift isn’t a feared back, midseason he led all running backs in TD runs over 40 yards.
A reminder to everyone else. Saying something over and over doesn’t make it true.