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

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.

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

Starting today, NFL teams can designate their Franchise or Transition Players.

Franchise tag candidates include Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Geno Smith, Tony Pollard, Dalton Schultz, Orlando Brown Jr., Jessie Bates, Daron Payne and Josh Jacobs.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2023

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.

via: Darren Yamashita-USA Today Sports

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

Below are the positional values for the franchise tag this year.

As always, a QB tag tops the list. https://t.co/6LJf2hIKYa pic.twitter.com/J0H0UCJNrJ

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 21, 2023

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.