Redskins guard Brandon Scherff is expected to receive the franchise tag if he and the Washington Redskins cannot reach a long-term deal before the start of free agency, according to a new report.
ESPN reported the Redskins plan to give Scherff the tag should they not agree to terms.
Scherff, 28, has been a dependable starter for the Redskins since the team drafted him fifth overall in 2015. The three-time Pro Bowler is set to become a free agent March 18, but the franchise tag would keep him under contract for another year.
If tagged, Scherff will make $16 million for one year.
Teams, meanwhile, have until March 12 to hand out the franchise tag. Redskins’ fans, of course, will be familiar with the tag as Washington last used it on former quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Redskins coach Ron Rivera told NBC Sports Washington last week that he believed Scherff to be a “really big part” of the team’s offensive line.
“Well the plan is to continue to work with his agent and see what we can get worked out, more so than anything else,” Rivera said.
The Redskins and Scherff’s camp negotiated last season, but were unable to strike a new deal. Scherff reportedly turned down a contract worth $13 million a year.
After handing out the tag, teams have until July 15 to work out a long-term extension with the player. If that fails, the player will play on a one year deal once he signs the tag.
Not sure if this has been reported, but league sources have told me that they expect the Redskins to franchise tag Brandon Scherff and the Steelers to tag Bud Dupree.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 2, 2020
Scherff is coming off a Pro Bowl-season, but he suffered a season-ending torn labrum that put him on injured reserve in December. The injury required surgery and Scherff told reporters at the end of the season that he faced a five-month recovery.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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