Will Seahawks Use Franchise Tag On Free Agent?

The NFL's franchise tag window is set to open, but the Seattle Seahawks and general manager John Schneider have used it only twice in 14 seasons.

As the NFL's franchise tag window opens Tuesday, there isn't - unlike last year - a Lamar Jackson in the mix. Likewise, there are likely no Seattle Seahawks.

The two-week window opens runs until 4 p.m. ET March 5. During that time, each team is allowed to tag one player who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Doing so would keep the player with the franchise for the 2024 season.

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Franchise tag contract figures are based on the top five salaries at each position, and the price goes up each time a player gets tagged. Teams must determine whether it's in their best interest to pay the franchise tag price, extend the player or possibly tag him and continue negotiating a long-term deal.

In 2023 six players were tagged including Jackson, who ultimately signed a five-year, $260 million contract and went on to win MVP.

In ESPN's preview of the 2024 candidates to be tagged, star running backs Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) and Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) are the headliners. But the Seahawks and new head coach Mike Macdonald don't figure to be in the tag business.

Writes ESPN of the Seahawks:

Seahawks Free Agency: Is Jordyn Brooks Foundational Piece of Seattle's Defense?

"Defensive tackle Leonard Williams and linebacker Jordyn Brooks are the Seahawks' top two free agents and both are in line for big paydays, but neither could realistically be franchised. Because Williams was tagged twice earlier in his career, a third tag would cost Seattle more than $35 million. Over The Cap projects the linebacker tag at around $22 million. The Seahawks have used the tag only twice in 14 seasons under general manager John Schneider, including once on a kicker. Their history alone suggests it's not likely, and the cost of the tag for either Williams or Brooks makes it a non-starter."

ESPN predicts none of the four teams in the NFC West will use the franchise tag this year.

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