The Washington Redskins are expected to place the franchise tag on right guard Brandon Scherff, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
With last season’s report of Scherff and the Redskins being far apart on a new deal, there has always been expectation that Scherff will be franchise tagged.
Washington has until March 12 to officially place the tag on Scherff. The franchise tag for offensive linemen is expected to be valued at $16.1 million, according to Over The Cap.
Currently, Brandon Brooks of the Philadelphia Eagles has the NFL’s highest-annual average of $14.087 million among offensive guards.Washington had reportedly offered a deal that would pay Scherff an average of $13 million per year.
Scherff has made the Pro Bowl in three of his first five seasons, establishing himself as one of the best guards in the NFL. However, he has landed on injured reserve each of the past two seasons. In 2018, he was limited to eight games after suffering a torn pectoral. In 2019, he played in 11 games after he was sidelined with elbow and shoulder injuries.
Last week, Redskins head coach Ron Rivera told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, Scherff were in the team’s plans for 2020 and contract talks had begun.
After a 3-13 season, the Redskins have numerous holes across their roster. Tagging Scherff eliminates the possibility to adding to the list.
