Why the Redskins Should Franchise Tag Brandon Scherff

The Redskins reportedly offered Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff a contract extension north of $13 million per year on a multi-year deal this summer. It was also reported that the two sides were not close during negotiations, and that Scherff’s camp did not want to negotiate during the season, leaving speculation that he would want to test free agency in 2020.

The soon-to-be 28 year old played 2019 under his fifth year option, which was $12.5 million. The franchise tag would cost the Redskins approximately $15 million, but it would give the team options.

First, the Redskins could work out a long-term deal with Scherff before the July deadline. That deal would most likely take the 2020 cap hit down significantly, as any signing bonus can be spread out over the length of his contract.

Second, the team could opt to trade Scherff for draft picks. This usually is contingent on the trading team settling out the framework of a long-term deal before the trade is consummated. Being that quality offensive linemen are very hard to come by, and Pro Bowl players at the position rarely hit the open market in their prime, the Redskins could be looking at a potential first round pick in return.

Finally, the Redskins could let Scherff play out 2020 on the franchise tag, and see where things land come 2021.

For a team with a young quarterback who will be entering his second year, losing one of their top lineman would not be good. Losing that player without getting anything in return would be down-right neglect.

Hopefully, someone other than Bruce Allen, who is known to be stubborn and vindictive in these type of situations, will be making this decision in 2020.