The NFL’s franchise tag window opens on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. ET, allowing teams to franchise tag players. The window closes on March 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
Last year, the Bears used the tag on Jaylon Johnson when they couldn’t secure a long-term deal—though they ultimately reached an extension. Johnson signed a four-year, $76M contract. This offseason, the Bears don’t have an obvious candidate for the franchise tag, but they could still use it in a surprising way. Two possible, albeit unconventional, options are guard Teven Jenkins and wide receiver Keenan Allen.
If you have any Bears questions, send them in.
I'll be answering them all in my next article and on the @bfr_pod.
Best one gets $5 (venmo, cash app etc)
— Dave (@dave_bfr) February 18, 2025
What Would Tagging Teven Jenkins Look Like?
The projected franchise tag for an offensive lineman is $25 million—an expensive price for a player who has appeared in just 45 games over four seasons. When healthy, Jenkins is a very good starter, and the Bears need depth. Could they tag him as a negotiation tactic for a long-term deal, similar to Jaylon Johnson? Possibly, but it’s more likely Jenkins is on his way out.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
What Would Tagging Keenan Allen Look Like?
Allen was a reliable target for rookie QB Caleb Williams last season and has expressed interest in returning.
Keenan Allen said he'd like to run it back with the Bears next season. pic.twitter.com/SkOliP9Ust
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 5, 2024
However, with only one or maybe two big contracts left in his career, Allen may want to chase the money. The Bears could tag him at $25.6 million, but only if Allen is open to playing on it. GM Ryan Poles would likely respect his preference. A two-year deal seems more probable if Allen truly wants to stay; otherwise, he’ll likely test free agency.
Will the Bears Use the Franchise Tag?
While tagging Jenkins or Allen is possible, the Bears are in a unique position this offseason. With ample cap space and draft capital, they don’t need to use the tag. Instead, they can negotiate from a position of strength. Unless the tag is used as a strategic leverage tool in contract talks, the Bears will likely pass on it this year.
Caleb Williams Reveals Ben Johnson’s Blunt Words From First Conversation
