2022 NFL offseason: Franchise tag date and more
The 2022 NFL offseason has officially started, and the action will start rolling when players can be franchise tagged on Feb. 22.
The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI. Now, we’re onto the 2022 NFL offseason.
While the Rams are rightfully basking in the glow of a championship, the other 31 teams are already trying to figure out how they can catch and overtake Sean McVay’s club. Although no moves can be officially be made this week, there will be plenty of scheming going on around the country, as clubs can start using the franchise and transition tags on their players come Feb. 22.
Want $250 to bet on NFL futures?
Once we get to next Tuesday, tags can be applied. Teams have until March 8 to do so before the deadline. Once that two-week period comes to a close, no tags can be applied. However, it should be noted tags can be lifted at any point. Additionally, teams can sign players to a long-term deal while on the tag through July 15.
Finally, once players are tagged, they count for the full amount of their respective tag immediately. The player doesn’t have to sign said tag of the money to count against the salary cap.
As usual, we’re going to see plenty of players getting the tag. A few of the top candidates including receivers Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers) and Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers), left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (Kansas City Chiefs), tight end Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins), corners J.C. Jackson (New England Patriots) and Carlton Davis (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), edge rushers Chandler Jones (Arizona Cardinals) and Harold Landry (Tennessee Titans) and others.
Read: Rams’ Aaron Donald Mum On His Future After Winning The Super Bowl
Once we get through the franchise-tag period, free agency begins on March 14 with the legal tampering period. This will go for 48 hours until the new league years starts on March 16, when teams can officially start to sign players from other teams, rather than agree in principle. Also of note, teams may be over the salary cap until the league year comes into effect, but once it does, they must be cap-compliant at all times through the end of the 2022 season.
The Rams are getting ready for their parade on Wednesday. The NFL, though, is moving ahead at full speed.
