Jul 15, 2020
Franchise tag blog: Titans, Henry close to deal
The deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to extensions is Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. TSN.ca keeps track of all the latest news and notes on deadline day.
TSN.ca Staff
The deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to extensions is Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. TSN.ca keeps track of all the latest news and notes on deadline day:
Titans, Henry close to deal
Finally, some movement.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, running back Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans are getting close to a long-term deal.
The #Titans and RB Derrick Henry have stayed in contact the entire time, slowly working on an extension more than the two franchise tags. They are close. When two sides want to get it done...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2020
Rapoport adds the two sides have stayed in contact the entire time and are slowly working on an extension rather than the franchise tags. Both sides want to get a deal done ahead of Wednesday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline.
The 26-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, leading the league in yards, touchdowns and carries while helping the Titans reach the AFC Championship game.
Prescott expected to play on tag
If Dak Prescott is going to sign a long-term deal with the Dallas Cowboys before Wednesday's deadline, a lot is going to have to happen. And quick.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Prescott and the Cowboys are not expected to reach an agreement on a new deal barring any last minute changes. This means the quarterback is expected to play on his $31.4 million franchise tag.
Barring a dramatic last-minute change, the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott are not expected to reach agreement on a new deal before today’s 4 pm deadline, per sources. Prescott is expected to play this season on his on his one-year, $31.4 million franchise tag.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2020
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network adds there is little optimism of a deal materializing before Wednesday's cut-off.
From @GMFB: Breaking down the disconnect between the #Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott... and why the 5-year offer hasn't gotten it done for Dak. pic.twitter.com/WEFSYzjpQs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2020
Rapoport adds Prescott previously shot down a five-year deal worth approximately $100 million guaranteed.
No deal expected between Bengals, Green
The Cincinnat Bengals and wide receiver A.J. Green are not expecting to get a deal done by Wednesday's franchise tag deadline barring a final-hour push according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Green has not yet signed his franchise tag but will likely play on it, Fowler reports.
The veteran wideout missed all of last season with a lingering foot injury.
The Bengals and A.J. Green are not anticipating a deal getting done by the franchise tag deadline, barring a final-hour surprise push, per source. Green has not yet signed his franchise tag but will likely play on it.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 15, 2020
Ngakoue, Jags still in standoff
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue asked for a trade months ago while seeking a new contract but the situation hasn't changed much since then.
According to Schefter, the franchise-tagged defensive end has engaged in contract discussions with multiple teams but plans for long-term deals have been challenging amid COVID-19. Schefter adds Ngakoue has been flexible about playing on his franchise tag elsewhere or signing a new long-term deal, while a new contract for him would not hold up a potential trade.
"The holdup so far has been Jacksonville's unwillingness to agree to trade a player who has vowed to move on from the Jaguars," Schefter tweets.
An update on Jaguars’ franchise DE Yannick Ngakoue: pic.twitter.com/Nhj1MdrtDC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2020
Deal looks unlikely for Thuney, Pats
Michael Giardi of the NFL Network reports that it is "all quiet" on the Joe Thuney front and that it looks like the star offensive lineman will play under the franchise tag in 2020.
Source reports "all quiet" on the Joe Thuney front. Looking like he will play under the franchise tag this year. #Patriots @AroundTheNFL @nflnetwork
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 15, 2020
Here are the 13 players currently on the franchise tag awaiting new deals:
Dak Prescott - QB, Dallas Cowboys
Yannick Ngakoue - DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Henry - RB, Tennessee Titans
A.J. Green - WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Shaq Barrett - DE/OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bud Dupree - DE/OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony Harris - S, Minnesota Vikings
Hunter Henry - TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Matthew Judon - OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Leonard Williams - DT, New York Giants
Brandon Scherff - G, Washington
Justin Simmons - S, Denver Broncos
Joe Thuney - G, New England Patriots