The 2021 NFL season was a unique one, particularly when it came to the use of the franchise tag. This year saw a significant decrease in the number of players tagged, marking a small year for the NFL franchise tag. This article will delve into the reasons behind this decline, its implications, and a review of the season.
The franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team only gets one franchise tag per year, and it’s often used as a last resort to keep a top-tier player from hitting the open market.
In 2021, only ten players received the franchise tag, down from 14 in 2020 and 17 in 2019. This marked the lowest number of tagged players since 2016. The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted.
Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the NFL’s salary cap. The cap dropped from $198.2 million in 2020 to $182.5 million in 2021, marking the first time in a decade that the cap has decreased. This reduction forced teams to be more judicious with their spending, leading to fewer franchise tags.
Secondly, many teams opted to secure long-term deals with their key players rather than using the franchise tag. This approach provides more stability for both the player and the team and avoids the potential discord that can arise from a player being tagged.
Despite the reduction in franchise tags, those who were tagged made significant contributions to their teams. Among them were standouts like Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, who was tagged for a second consecutive year before eventually signing a four-year, $160 million contract, and Justin Simmons of the Denver Broncos, who also signed a long-term deal after being tagged.
On the other hand, some tagged players, like New York Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams and Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson, played the season under the tag. Their performances varied, with Williams having a career year and Robinson having a less productive season.
The decreased use of the franchise tag in 2021 could potentially signal a shift in team strategies moving forward. With the salary cap expected to increase again in 2022, it will be interesting to see if teams revert to using the tag more frequently or if this year marks the beginning of a trend towards long-term contracts.
In conclusion, the 2021 NFL season was a small year for the franchise tag due to the unique circumstances brought about by the pandemic. Despite this, the players who were tagged had a significant impact on their teams, demonstrating the importance of this tool in team-building. As we look ahead to future seasons, the use of the franchise tag will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of interest and discussion.