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
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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.
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The Bears should use the transition tag on Jenkins. That way they could match an offer if it’s not too high. Jenkins has played more snaps each season he has been here. He is also the 25th best free agent available according to some sites. Keenan Allen is 75th. Even if Jenkins is the backup guard for both spots, they need depth. I doughty any rookie would beat Jenkins out for a starting spot. Everyone wants to sign Dalman as center but he only play 9 games last season because of injuries.
No way Jose…..!!!!!!!!!!
Waste of time with this article. Neither player is worth anywhere near $25 mill. Or even half of that if we r being honest. Allen is a shell of his old self, and is now just a barely above average player with a big name. TJ is solid when he plays, but that is way too infrequently. I’m hoping maybe some type of comp picks coming our way for contracts these 2 dudes sign elsewhere.
Why even write the article when you know the chances of either of these happening are slim to none, and slim is about ready to walk out the door!
Miss you already Teven, not so much Allen.