Analysis

2/22/23

46 min read

2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags

Monday, March 6

Raiders Will Tag Jacobs

The Las Vegas Raiders are using the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs, NFL Media reported. Jacobs will earn $10.9 million after leading the NFL in rushing in 2022.

After the team declined the former first round pick's fifth-year last season, Jacobs had the most productive season of his career, posting a league-leading 1,653 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns and 4.9 yards per carry. He will now receive over $2 million more than he would have earned playing out his fifth-year option.

When asked about his upcoming free agency and negotiations with the Raiders last month, Jacobs told The Athletic that he would become a "hero turned villain."

It remains to be seen whether or not the 25-year-old All-Pro running back will hold out or play under the tag, but his short statement last month indicates that he is determined to secure a long-term deal.

Chiefs Expected to Release Frank Clark

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release veteran pass-rusher Frank Clark, ESPN reported. Kansas City was working to reach an agreement on an extension to keep Clark with the Chiefs, but the two sides could not find an agreeable deal, likely sending Clark to free agency.

Clark helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls in his time with Kansas City, climbing to No. 3 all-time in NFL post-season sacks in the process.

Titans Will Release Bud Dupree

The Tennessee Titans are expected to release pass-rusher Bud Dupree, NFL Media reported. Dupree was owed $17 million for the 2023 season.

After recording 19.5 total sacks in his final two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dupree signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the Titans. In his two seasons in Tennessee, he hasn't quite matched the production he had as a Steeler, recording just seven total sacks over the past two seasons and appearing in just 22 games in that span.

Chiefs Won't Tag Orlando Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs will not use the franchise tag to retain left tackle Orlando Brown, NFL Media reported. Brown was considered a prime candidate for the tag after playing last season on the franchise tender and failing to work out a long-term extension with the Chiefs.

The decision not to tag Brown doesn't preclude Kansas City from working out a long-term deal with their blindside protector, however, the cost of the tag is reportedly more than the Chiefs are willing to allocate to Brown for next season.

Should the Chiefs fail to lock Brown up with a new contract, he'll become a free agent — likely one of the best.

Cowboys Officially Tag Tony Pollard

The Dallas Cowboys officially placed the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard paying him $10.9 million this coming season, NFL Media reported.

The Cowboys attempted to work out a long-term deal with Pollard but opted for the franchise tag with the Tuesday tag deadline fast approaching. The Cowboys will have until July 15 to work out a long-term extension with Pollard before he is locked into playing on the tag.

Pollard broke out in 2022, earning his first Pro Bowl selection after rushing for 1,007 yards and notching 12 total touchdowns despite starting only four games. He helped the Cowboys to a playoff berth following their 12-5 regular season. Dallas defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round before losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.

Pollard is currently recovering from a broken leg, and a high-ankle sprain suffered in the second quarter of the loss to the 49ers.

The Cowboys' decision to use the franchise tag on Pollard likely means they will lose tight end Dalton Schultz to free agency. Schultz played the 2022 season on the tag, leading some to believe the Cowboys would tag him for a second straight year.

Ezekiel Elliott's future with the team remains uncertain. The 2016 first-team All-Pro running back has been discussed as a potential candidate for release. Retaining Pollard could make that decision much easier.

Vikings Release Kendricks

The Minnesota Vikings are releasing linebacker Eric Kendricks, the team announced. Kendricks anchored the middle of the Vikings' defense for eight seasons and was named to the All Pro team in 2019.

"As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, and a leader of the Vikings' social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organization and the Minnesota community," wrote Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. "While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric's contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues. I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter."

Robinson Will Seek Trade

The Los Angeles Rams are giving wide receiver Allen Robinson permission to seek a trade, NFL Media reported. Robinson signed with the Rams last offseason, but he produced just 33 catches for 339 yards in 2021. Los Angeles is willing to pay a portion of Robinson’s $15.25 million salary to help any team looking to acquire him.


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