Bears Free Agency: Complete list of players who received the franchise tag

There’s less than one week until the 2023 NFL free agency negotiation window opens on March 13, with signings allowed beginning March 15 at 4 pm EST. The Chicago Bears have the most money to spend on unrestricted free agents this year, and there’s an expectation around the league and among Bears fans that GM Ryan Poles will add several veterans to upgrade the roster.

Unfortunately, not every star would-be free agent is hitting the open market.

The deadline for NFL teams to use the franchise tag has passed, and the following players are off-limits:

2023 Franchise Tags …

• Giants RB Saquon Barkley
• Jaguars TE Evan Engram
• Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
• Raiders RB Josh Jacobs
• Commanders DL Daron Payne
• Cowboys RB Tony Pollard

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 7, 2023

Out of this group, only Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne would’ve been a logical target for the Chicago Bears. Three of the six franchise tags were used on running backs, and the Baltimore Ravens used theirs on Lamar Jackson. Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram may have warranted Poles’ attention, but he, too, got tagged.

The Bears will have plenty of quality free agents to choose from in a few days, kicking off what should be the most exciting month of offseason activity in the modern Bears era. Offensive linemen like Mike McGlinchey, Jawaan Taylor, and Kaleb McGary are free to sign wherever they want, as is defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, to name a few.

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