July 16th is approaching fast. This is the mandated date that prohibits any NFL player that has been designated with the franchise tag by his current team to work out a contract agreement. Here are some of the biggest names looking to secure a long-term deal before the deadline.
LeVeon Bell
Bell and the Steelers have been at an impasse for over a year now. Bell reportedly has been seeking a deal that pays him as the number 1 back in the league and a number 2 receiver. His goal is to restore the value of the running back position. It was reported that Bell turned down an average of 12 million per year last season. He has been on record as of late saying that the two sides are as close as ever, but the deadline line is fast approaching.
DeMarcus Lawrence
The Cowboys Pro Bowl defensive end is reportedly seeking a five year deal in excess of the 72 million total that Vikings Danielle Hunter received. Lawrence is not a proven commodity. Last year was the first season that he registered double-digit sacks and previously totaled 9 sacks in 3 seasons. He is currently slated to play for 17 million under this year’s tag.
Ezekiel Ansah
Ansah is in his first year as a franchise tag player, looking to capitalize on teams that will overpay for a pass rusher. He registered 12 sacks in 2017, which was considered a down year for his standards. The 29-year-old is slated to make 17.5 million under the tag for the 2018 season.
Lamarcus Joyner
Joyner signed his tag at the beginning of the offseason workout program. The safety is slated to make over 11 million this season and 25 million over two seasons if a long-term deal cannot be reached.
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