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Former Alabama players that could be franchise-tagged in the NFL this offseason

Hannah Foslien - Getty Images

We are inching closer to the new year for the National Football League on March 15.

A couple of former University of Alabama standouts could be playing on a franchise tag for their respective pro teams next fall.

RELATED: LaDainian Tomlinson compares Jahmyr Gibbs to former NFL superstar running back

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Da’Ron Payne and Josh Jacobs as candidates to be franchise-tagged.

Jacobs, a former first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft did not have his fifth-year option picked up on his rookie contract by the Las Vegas Raiders. He betted on himself last season and won the NFL’s rushing championship, earning 1,653 rushing yards.

Josh Jacobs runs football against Jaguars

via: Darren Yamashita-USA Today Sports

If the Raiders tag him, Jacobs would receive $10.091 million according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

If the Washington Commanders decide to tag Payne, he would pocket $18.937 million as a defensive tackle. He had a career-high 11.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2022 for the Commanders. Payne got taken at No. 13 overall in the 2018 draft.

It will be intriguing to see where both players end up.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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