No franchise tagged players agree to terms at the deadline setting stage for big 2019 free agency

Today was the deadline for players who received the franchise tag for 2018 to reach a long term deal with their clubs. There were several big names who were attempting to come to an agreement today and none of them did, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The biggest fish is Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. The All Pro back will play on the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, meaning he can’t receive the tag a third time, all but guaranteeing he will hit the market next March.

The 26-year-old will no doubt be expensive for anyone to sign when that time comes and will land a lucrative deal that could be the only long term deal of his career.

This is the last season of Marshawn Lynch’s 2-year contract in Oakland which he signed prior to last season. That puts the Raiders back in the market for a feature back after this season.

Another intriguing franchise tagged player is Rams corner LaMarcus Joyner. The Raiders signed Rashaan Melvin this offseason to a one-year deal, which means there is a chance he moves on next offseason, putting them once again in the market for a cornerback. Presumably that would be across from Gareon Conley at the other cornerback spot.

And lastly, you can’t have enough pass rushers, and Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence and Lions DE Ziggy Ansah will also be headed for free agency next offseason. Something tells me Lawrence isn’t going anywhere. The Cowboys just want to see if he can duplicate his monster 2017 season before committing to him long term. Ansah has 44.0 career sacks, so who knows what is going on there.

Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin are a pretty solid edge rushing duo. Mack is currently looking for an extension and Irvin is under contract through 2019.