The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of free agency frenzy, draft speculation, and, of course, the franchise tag. Every year, teams have the option to use this tag to keep a pending free agent on their roster for another year, preventing them from hitting the open market. As we look ahead to the 2025 offseason, the Detroit Lions’ potential use of the franchise tag is already a hot topic of conversation.
The Lions have a number of key players who could become free agents in 2025, and the decision of whether or not to utilize the franchise tag will be a crucial one for General Manager Brad Holmes. Which players are most likely to be considered for the tag? Let’s break it down:
Potential Franchise Tag Candidates:
- Jonah Williams (DE): The Lions’ defensive line has been a strength, and keeping it intact is vital for continued success. If Jonah Williams hits free agency, he’ll command a high price. The franchise tag could be a way to keep him in Detroit for another year while the team works on a long-term deal. He’s shown versatility and potential, making him a valuable asset.
- Carlton Davis III (CB): Davis’ impact on the Lions’ secondary is undeniable. His ability to cover top receivers and make plays on the ball makes him a valuable asset. The Lions might consider the franchise tag to ensure he stays in Honolulu blue and silver, solidifying their pass defense.
- Derrick Barnes (LB): Barnes is a young player who has shown immense potential at linebacker. If he continues to develop, he could become a star. The franchise tag could be a strategic move to buy time and assess his long-term value before committing to a massive contract.
Factors the Lions Will Consider:
- Salary Cap: The franchise tag comes with a significant price tag, as it’s typically the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position. The Lions will need to carefully consider the impact on their salary cap before using the tag.
- Long-Term Contract Negotiations: The franchise tag is often used as a tool to facilitate long-term contract negotiations. The Lions may use the tag to buy time to work out a deal with a player they want to keep.
- Draft Strategy: The Lions’ draft strategy could also influence their decision on the franchise tag. If they draft a player at the same position as a potential free agent, they might be less inclined to use the tag.
- Other Free Agency Needs: The Lions will have other free agency needs to address. They will need to balance the cost of the franchise tag with their other priorities.
Will the Lions Use the Tag?
It’s still early to say definitively whether the Lions will use the franchise tag in 2025. Much will depend on how the upcoming season plays out and the development of their pending free agents. However, given the potential free agents they have, it’s certainly a possibility.
Keep an eye on this space for updates as we get closer to the 2025 offseason. We’ll continue to track the Lions’ potential use of the franchise tag and analyze the implications for the team’s future. What are your thoughts? Which player do you think is most likely to receive the franchise tag? Let us know in the comments below!