With the NFL setting the 2022 salary cap at $208.2MM, teams now know the precise amounts for franchise and transition tags. Some teams have begun doling out tags; the deadline looms at 3pm Tuesday.
Here are the franchise tag figures for each position:
- Quarterback: $29.703MM
- Running back: $9.57MM
- Wide receiver: $18.419MM
- Tight end: $10.931MM
- Offensive linemen: $16.662MM
- Defensive end: $17.859MM
- Defensive tackle: $17.396MM
- Linebacker: $18.702MM
- Cornerback: $17.287MM
- Safety: $12.911MM
- Kicker/punter: $5.229MM
These numbers represent increases from 2021, when the salary cap declined for just the second time in history. Quarterbacks, wideouts, tight ends, linebackers and defensive tackles’ numbers increased by at least $3MM this year.
This does not set the franchise tag amounts for every player. If a team tags a player for the second straight year, he is entitled to 120% of last year’s tag figure. Players who have previously signed a veteran contract may also have a different tag price. The amount of the one-year offer can be 120% of the player’s previous salary, if that amount is greater than the league-assigned value. The Cardinals are unlikely to use their tag on outside linebacker Chandler Jones; his $20.2MM 2021 cap number would push that tag price to nearly $25MM.
Teams also have the option of deploying the lesser-used transition tag. Here are where those figures will reside in 2022:
- Quarterback: $27.186MM
- Running back: $8.034MM
- Wide receiver: $16.782MM
- Tight end: $9.392MM
- Offensive linemen: $15.348MM
- Defensive end: $16.012MM
- Defensive tackle: $14.716MM
- Linebacker: $15.783MM
- Cornerback: $15.167MM
- Safety: $10.817MM
- Kicker/punter: $4.701MM