The Washington Redskins are likely to pull franchise tag with Right Guard Brandon Scherff; although official confirmation is still pending, the local media agree that this is a safe bet. The deadline for the awarding of the franchise ends on March 12th at 10 pm German time.

The three-time Pro Bowler (2016, 2017 and 2019) has been in the Redskins squad since his 2015 draft (in the first round with the fifth pick); previously he played for the Iowa Hawkeyes at college and was awarded the Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman 2014, among other things.

Since arriving in the NFL, he has been considered one of the best guards in the league. However, in recent years he has always had to deal with serious injuries: in 2018 and 2019 he ended the season on the Injured Reserve List with a torn chest muscle and a serious shoulder injury respectively. In five years, he has played 65 out of a theoretical 80 possible matches.

Last year the Redskins already negotiated with their top guard, but they could not agree on a long-term contract. He played the 2019 season with the fifth year option of a first round pick for about 12.5 million dollars.

Should the (non-exclusive) franchise day be imposed on him, the coming season would bring him an estimated 16 million, but without the security of a long-term contract. Although his agent would then be able to negotiate with other teams, the Redskins could take over the offer of another franchise on these terms or get two First Round Picks if they decided to let him go.