Time short to reach long-term deals

For NFL players who have been saddled with the franchise tag, a looming deadline could yield substantial relief or additional angst.

Friday’s 4 p.m. ET cutoff marks the last opportunity for players under the designation to sign a long-term pact. Otherwise, any recipient of the tag must play this season on a one-year tender and can’t re-enter long-term talks until January.

Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller’s standoff with the Denver Broncos has been one of the offseason’s biggest stories, but several other Pro Bowlers are seeking contract clarity. The deadline historically has spurred action: Four of the five players who received the franchise tag last year signed on the final day.

Here’s a look at what’s at stake for every player who is currently franchised:

Von Miller, outside linebacker, Denver Broncos: Neither he nor general manager John Elway has flinched in negotiations. Miller has said there is no chance he will play on the exclusive, $14.1 million franchise tag, threatening to sit out the season. Yet the Broncos haven’t acquiesced to Miller’s demands on the guaranteed structure of a sixyear contract.

Still, Elway has reached longterm contracts with his three previous franchise-tag players. Letting the deadline pass without a deal would be a nuclear option for both sides.

Kirk Cousins, quarterback, Washington Redskins: There’s little incentive for the team to overreach on a quarterback with one full season of starting experience. Cousins will earn $19.95 million if he remains on the franchise tag as expected, but Washington would afford itself the opportunity to get another year of evaluation. But if Cousins continues to exceed expectations, he’ll set himself up for a lucrative long-term contract in 2017.

Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end, New York Jets: The frosty relationship between Wilkerson and the Jets doesn’t appear to be thawing. The Pro Bowler had 12 sacks last season but expressed frustration last month with the state of negotiations. Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox’s six-year, $103 million contract might have widened the fissure between the sides, as Wilkerson said he thought his deal should exceed those figures. Wilkerson would make $15.7 million under the tag. It doesn’t help his case that the Jets have a deep, talent-rich defensive line.

Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver, Chicago Bears: There’s a gulf between perception and production for Jeffery and the Bears. The 6-3, 216-pound target has been an integral part of the passing attack since ascending to a starting role three years ago. But selling himself as a true No. 1 receiver could be tough for Jeffery, as he missed seven games last season, his first without Brandon Marshall commanding defensive focus. For wideouts, the tag is worth $14.6 million this year

Eric Berry, safety, Kansas City Chiefs: A four-time Pro Bowl selection and emotional team leader after returning last year from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Berry has proved himself integral to a stout defense. He recently expressed surprise at the lack of progress in contract talks, but Kansas City reached a deal with outside linebacker Justin Houston last year under similar circumstances. Berry, 27, might be looking for compensation similar to that of Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith, whose fiveyear, $51.25 million extension in June set the bar for the position.

Trumaine Johnson, cornerback, Los Angeles Rams: Faced with losing at least one of their starting corners after last season, the Rams franchised Johnson rather than Janoris Jenkins, who signed with the New York Giants. Johnson would receive $13.95 million for 2016 if he remained on the tag, but Los Angeles has the short-term flexibility to absorb the hit. Proving himself as a true No. 1 corner without Jenkins will be a season- long test for Johnson. Justin Tucker, kicker,

Baltimore Ravens: Locking him down isn’t the most pressing need for Baltimore, though the team has expressed interest in working out a multiyear deal. As one of the most accurate kickers in the league, Tucker likely is seeking something comparable to the four-year, $17.2 million pact that Stephen Gostkowski struck with the New England Patriots last year.