The NFL logo on goal post padding prior to the game between the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL could push back deadline to use franchise tag

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/8/21

March 9 is supposed to be the last day that NFL teams can use the franchise tag on players who would become unrestricted free agents next week if not tagged. However, it appears that deadline could change.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, if the official salary cap number isn't released by Monday, the NFL will move back the deadline to franchise tag players.

A storyline to follow going forward: If the official salary cap number doesn’t come today and soon, NFL will have to move back the deadline to franchise tag players from Tuesday. It’s a situation several GMs are bracing for and would further stall business for a bit.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2021

Last year's deadline was also pushed back. Teams were given an extra four days to make a decision after the NFL Players Association pushed back the deadline for players to vote on the new CBA.

Pushing back the franchise tag deadline would impact several players, most notably Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson. The only player to be tagged so far is Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons.

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