NFL

Texans sign TE Dalton Schultz to three-year, $36 million contract

Schultz was scheduled to hit free agency next week, but the Texans are wisely making sure he doesn’t test the market. C.J. Stroud put together an incredible rookie season in 2023, and it could’ve impeded his progress if one of his top weapons was taken away from him. Schultz, who recorded 635 receiving yards and five touchdowns a year ago, will continue to serve as a capable security blanket for Houston.

Grade: B

Jaguars place franchise tag on EDGE Josh Allen

The tag amount for Allen is $24 million — a fair price for one of the league’s 10 best pass rushers. Jacksonville is surely hoping it’ll be able to work out a long-term deal with Allen, who nabbed 17.5 sacks in 2023.

Buccaneers place franchise tag on S Antoine Winfield Jr.

The tag amount for Winfield Jr. is around $17 million. The safety, just like his father was, has become one of the NFL’s best defensive backs, and should be a defensive centerpiece in Tampa Bay for a long time — much like Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber and LaVonte David.

Bears place franchise tag on CB Jaylon Johnson

The tag amount for Johnson is nearly $20 million. I thought there was a chance Johnson would reach free agency, but Chicago is smartly keeping the talented corner around, at least for one more season. There is some risk here, as there’s a possibility Johnson ends up as a one-year wonder based on his fantastic 2023 campaign.

Colts place franchise tag on WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The tag amount for Pittman Jr. is almost $22 million. The Bengals franchised Tee Higgins last week, and the Cincinnati wideout is more valuable than Pittman Jr., an outside receiver with a yards per reception average more similar to that of a slot receiver. I’d feel better about this move if the Colts and Pittman Jr. work out a long-term contract worth less per year than this tag amount.

Ravens place franchise tag on DL Justin Madubuike

The tag amount for Madubuike is $22 million. Baltimore would’ve been a bit foolish to let the 26-year-old hit free agency. Madubuike excels as both an interior pass rusher and run stuffer, and the Ravens are surely hoping he can repeat his 2023 performance of 13 sacks.

Panthers place franchise tag on EDGE Brian Burns

The tag amount for Burns is $24 million. Carolina rejected two first-round picks and a second-round pick from the Rams for Burns — a short-sighted decision that is partially why the Panthers are in such a bad spot now. That move is in the past though, and Carolina should be making decisions based on building for the future, and the placing of this franchise tag doesn’t fit with that plan. There isn’t a worse run team in football right now than the Panthers. If Dave Canales can’t get Bryce Young on the right track, the situation in Charlotte will go from bad to horrible.