5 superstars likely to be franchise tagged for 2022 NFL season

The franchise tag provides NFL teams with an opportunity to prevent one of their pending free agents from hitting the open market. It results in a one-year contract at a fixed rate with a chance to later negotiate a long-term contract. Now that the 2022 NFL offseason is underway, here are five superstars who will likely be franchise tagged this year.

5 NFL stars likely to be franchise tagged in 2022

#1 - WR Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams

Davante Adams is both the best player pending free agency this offseason as well as the one most likely to be franchise tagged. There are rumors that's he's looking for a deal in the range of $30 million per season, which would make him the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history. The Packers may not want to pay him that, but they also don't want to lose him. They are likely to tag him for somewhere around $20 million next season.

#2 - WR Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams

The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to have the second-most available cap space in the 2022 offseason. This gives them a ton of flexibility to shape their roster as they please. Mike Williams is one of Justin Herbert's favorite targets, especially in the red zone, where he scored seven touchdowns last year. If they don't give him a new contract, a tag worth around $19 million is an option.

5 NFL stars likely to receive the franchise tag in the 2022 offseason

#3 - CB JC Jackson, New England Patriots

New England Patriots cornerback JC Jackson

JC Jackson has emerged as one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the NFL over the last several years. He has recorded 22 interceptions over the last three seasons, the most in the NFL. He will be one of the hottest free agent targets this offseason if the New England Patriots let him go, which appears to be unlikely. Tagging him for around $17 million is a solid option.

#4 - CB Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis

Carlton Davis is probably the best defensive back on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster right now. He is also just 25 years old, which makes him extremely valuable. It's possible that he will work out a long-term contract with the Buccaneers, but if not, he will likely be franchise tagged for around $17 million.

#5 - OT Orlando Brown, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Orlando Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs made a big move last offseason to acquire Orlando Brown from the Baltimore Ravens, surrendering draft picks to do so. Brown is a pending free agent this year, but it would be shocking if they let him go, considering what they gave up to get him. They have the option to franchise tag him for around $16.5 million, a relative bargain for a left tackle of his caliber.