NFL franchise tag window opens: Clock starts on whether Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers stay with Packers
NFL teams can start slapping the franchise (or other) tag on players Tuesday.
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Tuesday is arguably the first important date of the NFL offseason as clubs can begin using a franchise or transition tag on impending free agents, a window that closes March 8. The biggest-name player likely to be tagged is Packers All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, but Green Bay is nearly $50 million over the projected 2022 salary cap as it is. We should find out as well no later than March 8 whether Aaron Rodgers will stay with the team or demand a trade (or retire).
While those on the franchise tag are paid among the top players at their position, they don't like it because of no long-term security. Clubs that utilize a tender have until mid-July to work out a multi-year contract with a player or else said player has to play the season on the tag.
Since 2016, Adams has more receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches than anyone at his position, so he deserves to be the highest-paid receiver in the league. Rodgers has essentially said that he will make a decision on his Green Bay future by the close of the franchise tag window so the Packers have some clarity. They could clear a ton of salary-cap space by reworking the year left on Rodgers' contract.
"I don't want to put myself on a specific date, but I do want to be sensitive to Davante [Adams] and many other guys who have decisions to make on their own futures," Rodgers said late last month in regards to making a decision on his future.
ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported the Packers are prepared to go all in for Rodgers in 2022, spending as close to the cap this year and spreading it into future years as much as possible. Basically, Green Bay would do what the Saints did in the final few seasons Drew Brees was there. There have been some rumors that Rodgers and Adams are interested in teaming up in Denver, which is now coached by former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Rodgers made some news Monday with a rather cryptic Instagram post in which he reflected on his Packers teammates, as well as former fiancee Shailene Woodley (who has ties to the Denver area). The last photo shared was the only one in which Rodgers wasn't shown. It was Randall Cobb and Adams standing on the sideline. Reportedly, the empty place in between them is usually occupied by Rodgers during the national anthem, but the photo was likely from a game Rodgers missed this season in Kansas City. It may or may not mean anything.
Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Will Aaron Rodgers be the Packers' Week 1 starting QB in 2022?
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