Dak among tagged players unable to reach extension as deadline passes
The NFL's deadline for teams to extend franchise-tagged players came and went Wednesday, with most veterans set to play under the one-year tender before hitting the open market next offseason.
The COVID-19 pandemic clearly impacted clubs' abilities to hammer out a multi-year pact. Of the 14 players slapped with the tag in March, 12 didn't reach a deal. Derrick Henry and Chris Jones were the only parties to ink agreements, signing with the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.
Most notably, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott didn't sign long term. The two sides reportedly haven't been in contact since Dallas' final offer that would have paid Prescott $33-35 million annually, meaning he'll earn $31.4 million in 2020.
Yannick Ngakoue is the only player yet to sign his franchise tag, as the star pass-rusher is angling for a trade away from the Jacksonville Jaguars. A holdout could be coming if Ngakoue doesn't get his wish.
Here are a few other key players who didn't sign and will hit free agency in 2021. These veterans can't be extended during the season.
Shaq Barrett: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass-rusher will earn $15.83 million under the tag after leading the league with 19.5 sacks. However, he did file a grievance to be compensated as a defensive end (at $17.8 million).
A.J. Green: The All-Pro receiver didn't play a snap last season after tearing multiple ankle ligaments in practice. Green, who will be paid $17.87 million in 2020, will play a vital role as first overall pick Joe Burrow adjusts to the pros.
Bud Dupree: Similar to Barrett, Dupree filed a grievance to be tagged as a defensive end. If he loses, the former first-round pick will earn $15.83 million after setting a career high with 11.5 sacks in 2019.
Leonard Williams: The New York Giants acquired Williams from the New York Jets last October in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks. The former sixth overall selection failed to make a big splash with his new club, but the Giants view him as a talented defender, and they surely want to get a return after investing in him through the trade. Williams will make $16.13 million this year.
Anthony Harris: The Minnesota Vikings and Giants reportedly discussed a trade involving the breakout safety after he was tagged, but Harris' club valued him too much. He'll instead make $11.44 million.
The remaining franchise-tagged players - Justin Simmons, Joe Thuney, Hunter Henry, Brandon Scherff, and Matt Judon - signed their tag with little resistance and will play out the one-year tender.
Finally, the Arizona Cardinals placed the transition tag on running back Kenyan Drake, but his deadline to ink a deal is July 22, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. However, Arizona will still maintain exclusive negotiating rights after Week 10.