NFL Franchise Tag: Who Might Get Traded?

It hasn’t happened for some time, but it’s easy to forget that players can still change teams even after the NFL franchise tag has been applied.  It’s just a matter of finding another team that is willing to pay the money and draft pick(s) to make it happen.  The Mocks crew was asked if there are any players out there who might receive the tag and then be shipped out elsewhere.

Brady Lunt:

Good question. One player I can see getting tagged and traded is Muhammad Wilkerson. While he was arguably the best defensive player on the Jets, his contract could be astronomical and his off-field questions may prevent the Jets from signing him long-term (combined with the fact they have Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson). Tagging him could bring his cost down and a team with a lot of cap space in need of a dominating presence up front (Raiders, Jaguars) could make a move to get him while they have the space. This allows the Jets to get something in return, outside of a hefty bill or an empty roster spot.

Matthew Holowiak:

I could see Prince Amukamara being one. If the Giants can’t come to a long term agreement then it’s plausible that they may want to trade him for a high draft pick to a team that would either afford the tag or sign him long term. Think Jacksonville, Oakland or someone in need of defensive help and a high cap….ironically describing the Giants themselves.

David Holmes:

A name that might come as a surprise to some is Trumaine Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the talk that him and fellow teammate Janoris Jenkins are candidates for the transition tag, the Rams could go in a different direction with Johnson. A possible scenario is the Rams slapping the franchise tag on the talented corner and then trading him to a corner needy team with a lot of cap space. A team like the Chicago Bears would fit perfectly in this scenario, they have a ton of cap space, and a need for a talented cornerback to pair up with Kyle Fuller.

Erik Lambert:

Interesting that David mentions the Bears because there is a possibility they might have this option as well with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.  Rumors have been rampant for weeks that they might franchise him, and on top of that some believe he doesn’t wish to stay because of what happened with former teammate Brandon Marshall.

If that’s the case and he is resistant to a long-term deal, then franchising him and allowing him to negotiate with another team would make sense.  He gets to shop himself around and the Bears end up not losing him for nothing, likely securing another 1st round pick for GM Ryan Pace to continue remodeling.