Deadline for NFL franchise-tagged players to sign long-term extension is Wednesday afternoon

As of this writing, there are 14 players who were franchise tagged by their NFL teams this offseason who have until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET to sign a long-term extension with those clubs or in theory could hold out into the season – if they haven't signed that tag. Big names like Titans running back Derrick Henry and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott have signed the tag so they must report to training camp and can't hold out.

However, Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (who has asked for a trade; there are rumors out there the Eagles may deal for him), Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Bengals receiver AJ Green all have not yet signed the tag, so they in theory could skip the entire 2020 season if they so chose like former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell did in 2018.

While there was some optimism not all that long ago that both Henry and Prescott would agree to long-term extensions, now it appears neither will and that both could become unrestricted free agents next winter unless the Titans and Cowboys tag them again. Prescott almost surely would be tagged again.

Reportedly, there aren't even any talks scheduled between Prescott's agent and the team ahead of Wednesday's deadline. Prescott would be paid a guaranteed $31.4 million playing on the tag this year (his cap hit would be the largest in the NFL this season). He wants a long-term deal worth $35 million per year.

Henry, the defending NFL rushing king and +600 favorite on the William Hill moneyline odds to lead the league in 2020, would make $10.27 million this year.

Here are all the players currently on the tag and their salaries for 2020 if they play on it:

• Bucs pass-rusher Shaquil Barrett: $15.825 million (he led NFL in sacks last year with 19.5)
• Steelers pass-rusher Bud Dupree: $15.825 million (career-high 11.5 sacks last year)
• Bengals WR AJ Green: $17.865 million (missed all of last season injured)
• Vikings safety Anthony Harris: $11.441 million (tied for NFL lead in 2019 with six interceptions)
• Titans running back Derrick Henry: $10.278 million (first running back to get the franchise tag after leading the NFL in rushing in the previous season)
• Chargers tight end Hunter Henry: $10.607 million (career high 55 catches for 625 yards in 2019)
• Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones: $16.126 million (quite possible he is traded by Wednesday's deadline)
• Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon: $15.828 million (9.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2019)
• Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue: $17.788 million (wants out of Jacksonville and also could be dealt by Wednesday's deadline)
• Cowboys QB Dak Prescott: $31.4 million (career-high 4,902 yards and 30 TDs last year)
• Redskins offensive tackle Brandon Scherff: $14.781 million (three-time Pro Bowler)
• Broncos safety Justin Simmons: $11.441 million (career-high four picks in 2019)
• Patriots guard Joe Thuney: $14.781 million (has started every game in his four seasons)
• Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams: $16.126 million (traded from Jets to Giants last season)

WHICH 2020 FANTASY FOOTBALL SLEEPER SHOULD YOU SNATCH IN YOUR DRAFT? AND WHICH WR1 CANDIDATE CAN YOU WAIT ON UNTIL LATE? JOIN SPORTSLINE NOW TO GET 2020 FANTASY FOOTBALL CHEAT SHEETS FROM THE MODEL THAT WAS ALL OVER DERRICK HENRY'S HUGE SEASON, AND FIND OUT.