NFL teams can begin using the franchise and transition tags on pending free agent players beginning Tuesday, February 22nd. However, don’t expect the Detroit Lions to use any of the tags that would lock a player into another season at an above-market rate.
The Lions don’t have any good candidates for any of the tags. The most desirable player hitting free agency is safety Tracy Walker, who doesn’t even crack the top 10 free agent safeties in Pro Football Focus’ list. The projected tag value for safeties is $13 million, which is well above what Walker is expected to command as a free agent.
EDGE Charles Harris, like Walker, is expected to have a competitive market for his services on the open market. Harris exceeded the combined sack total from his first four NFL seasons by bagging 7.5 in 2021, but the lack of proven production makes him a poor candidate to earn the $17.5 million payday for one year.
Detroit has not used a tag since 2018 when the Lions locked up Ziggy Ansah for one last year.
