Franchise Tags... Good or Bad? 🏈

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Who Got Tagged 💸

The franchise tag deadline is the unofficial start of free-agency and it ended on Tuesday with a few big storylines dominating the headlines.

Lamar Jackson:

Jackson was easily the biggest name to get tagged this year. The difference with Jackson compared to others is that the Ravens gave him a non-exclusive franchise tag, which means Baltimore has the power to match any offer other teams make or they would be entitled to two first round picks in exchange if they don’t.

Jackson and the Ravens have been very far apart on a contract number and reportedly the issue is how much guaranteed money he wants compared to what Baltimore is actually ready to give. It will be interesting to see if any teams want Jackson or if Baltimore is going to be able to keep him, even if he’s potentially unhappy there.

Saquon Barkley:

The Giants were in deep negotiations with both Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones simultaneously. They reached a deal with Jones worth $160 million for 4 years, but talks stalled with Barkley, which forced them to give him the exclusive tag.

Barkley was able to stay healthy all year last year and was one of the best running backs in the NFL last season. He even carried the Giants when needed and was a key piece to their offense. It will be interesting to see how this works out in New York because both parties seem like they want this to work, but anytime the tag is used, you risk the player being unhappy.

Josh Jacobs:

Josh Jacobs was another running back that was tagged before the deadline. He had a career year last season and the Raiders didn’t pick up his option the year before, which came back to hurt them after his value sky-rocketed from his performance last season.

The Raiders clearly value Josh Jacobs, but it’s always a gamble using an exclusive franchise tag. Many players look at the tag as an insult, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Raiders and Jacobs can get a deal done here.

Tony Pollard:

The Cowboys tagged Tony Pollard after he had a career year. The Cowboys used the tag after Pollard had his best year yet, and their money is tied up in Ezekiel Elliott, who’s past his prime, but they have no choice but to keep him.

Pollard has the ability to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, and more time with Cowboys could help, but it’s interesting to see if he’ll want to stay after they tagged him.

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More Teams Punched Their Dance Ticket 🔥

Six teams have punched a ticket to the Big Dance since the week started:

• Louisiana escaped against South Alabama 71-66. They’ll be a force in the tournament thanks to Jordan Brown who averages 19 PPG. They’ve gone to the tournament 11 times, with the last one in 2014.

• Furman blew out Chattanooga 88-69. It sets the stage for Furman to be a popular upset pick. They’re lead by Mike Bothwell who averages 18 PPG. It’s their first appearance since 1980 and 7th overall.

• Northern Kentucky hung on against Cleveland State 63-61. Northern Kentucky is going to the tournament for the third time and are lead by Marques Warrick who averages 19 PPG.

• Charleston pulls away from UNC Wilmington 63-58. Charleston’s also going to be a popular upset pick. Charleston is lead by Dalton Bolon who averages 13 PPG. Charleston’s gone to six Tournaments, with the last appearance in 2018.

• Gonzaga blows out Saint Mary’s 77-51. Gonzaga should be a dark horse candidate to win the title. They’re lead by Drew Timme who averages 21 PPG and this is their 24th consecutive appearance in the Tournament.

• Oral Roberts blows out North Dakota State 92-58. Oral Roberts is another team that’ll be a trendy upset pick. They’re lead by Max Abmas who averages 22 PPG. This is their 2nd appearance in three season, and 7th overall.

Big Dance Tickets Punched (so far):

• NEC: Fairleigh Dickinson

• OVC: Southeast Missouri

• Big South: UNC Asheville

• MVC: Drake

• ASUN: Kennesaw State

• Sun Belt: Louisiana

• Southern: Furman

• Horizon: Northern Kentucky

• CAA: Charleston

• West Coast: Gonzaga

• Summit: Oral Roberts

• 😳 This guy has a pet panther?!

• 🤔 This XFL QB really gave the other team his team’s playbook.

• 😬 Look at this hockey hit!

• 👀 Who should trade for Derrick Henry?

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