No deal, so Prescott will earn $31.4M in ’20

The NFL’s deadline for players bearing the franchise tag to sign long-term extensions in 2020 expired Wednesday afternoon. Where does that leave Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and the 14 players who received some kind of tag in March as they roll into training camp – presumably – and what should be an unprecedented regular season?

Here’s a breakdown of each man’s outlook as well as answers that apply collectively to questions regarding their near-term futures.

When are they next eligible for a long-term deal? Those relegated to playing on the one-year tag cannot begin negotiating for a new contract until the completion of the 2020 season.

Can they hold out of training camp? Players like Prescott, who already signed their tenders, are now officially under contract and must report. Those who have not signed are under no obligation to show up and would not be subject to any fines.

Can they hold out into the regular season? As long as a franchise (or transition) player reports before Week 11 of the regular season begins, he is eligible to collect a prorated salary. If a player does not report by then, he is not eligible to play this season.

Playing on the tag in 2020

Buccaneers LB Shaquil Barrett: After joining the Bucs last year, he exploded to lead the league with 19 1⁄2 sacks, also a franchise record. Barrett will make at least $15.8 million this year and could thrive anew on a defense that should be consistently staked to leads by new QB Tom Brady.

Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake: The only player slapped with the transition tag in 2020, he’s set to make nearly $8.5 million – a sizable raise given his rookie deal paid $3.4 million over four years. Drake, a midseason acquisition from Miami last year, seemed to fit very well (102 scrimmage yards per outing).

Steelers LB Bud Dupree: He parlayed a career year (personal-best 11 1⁄2 sacks in 2019) into the tag. But Dupree may have to prove he’s more than a beneficiary of playing opposite T.J. Watt.

Bengals WR A.J. Green: Making $17.9 million seems like a pretty good deal given Green has missed 23 games over the past two seasons, including all of 2019. He has yet to sign his tender.

Vikings S Anthony Harris: Undrafted in 2015, he tied for the league lead with six interceptions last year and will see his salary jump to $11.4 million.

Chargers TE Hunter Henry: He rebounded to catch 55 passes for 652 yards and five TDs in 2019 after tearing up his knee in May 2018. For $10.6 million – only kickers and running backs make fewer money on a franchise tag – Henry might even be a bargain.

Ravens LB Matthew Judon: The AFC North champions’ leading sack man in 2019 with 9 1⁄2, he will make $16.8 million this year, a hybrid salary for a linebacker and defensive end.

Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue: He’s still a Jag and still not happy about it. Despite 37 1⁄2 sacks in four seasons, no other team stepped up to liberate Ngakoue in a trade. Question now is when will he show up in #DUUUVAL?

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott: This year’s only “exclusive” franchise player, the two-time Pro Bowler will play for $31.4 million in 2020 and would make nearly $38 million in 2021 if he’s tagged again. If Prescott manages to fully leverage the offensive weaponry at his disposal under new coach Mike McCarthy – including first-round WR CeeDee Lamb – he could easily force Jerry Jones into writing some very hefty checks a year from now.

G Brandon Scherff: Any time a guard can play a season for left tackle-caliber compensation ($15 million)? Win.

Broncos S Justin Simmons: Like Harris, he enjoyed a breakout 2019 campaign. Pro Football Focus’ secondranked safety from last season will also earn an $11.4 million reward.

Patriots G Joe Thuney: See Scherff ... though Thuney will take home a, um, paltry $14.8 million haul in 2020.

Giants DL Leonard Williams: If you’re a D-lineman who excels in just about every area aside from amassing big pass-rush stats – well, not easy to convince a front office you’re worth the Brink’s Truck. Williams will collect $16.1 million for his services this year.

Extended

Titans RB Derrick Henry: Last season’s league rushing champ (1,540 yards) and playoff revelation struck an 11th-hour deal Wednesday afternoon. Per ESPN, Henry’s tag was replaced by a four-year, $50 million arrangement that includes $25.5 million in guarantees.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones: The Super Bowl LIV hero (three pass deflections) and leading sack man the past two seasons (24 1⁄2 since 2018) landed a fouryear extension worth up to $85 million on Tuesday.