Things can always change in the blink of an eye in the NFL. But at this moment, the Jacksonville Jaguars have three prominent players who are set to become free agents in 2026: Wide receiver Parker Washington, linebacker Ventrell Miller, and safety Antonio Johnson. All three have become key contributors, and it makes sense to keep them all beyond 2026.
Vice president of football operations Tony Boselli said early in 2025 that the franchise had already begun contract talks with Washington and his camp, and it may be a matter of time before they get something done. That said, the possibility of the fourth-year receiver shouldn't be ruled out until they strike a deal. And on the off chance that negotiations reach an impasse, using the franchise tag to prevent him from leaving may be the best course of action.
This begs the question: Does it make sense to slap Washington with the franchise tag? How about Miller or Johnson? It does for a couple of them.
The Jaguars should use the franchise tag on Antonio Johnson
Projected to go late in the first round or early in the second in 2023, Antonio Johnson instead slid to the fifth. Heading into the NFL, his biggest calling card was his versatility to play multiple spots across the defensive backfield, and he put it on display from the get-go, registering two interceptions and one forced fumble as a rookie.
Johnson became the full-time starter at safety in 2024. However, he struggled and was eventually benched. The following year, the former Texas A&M Aggie had to compete with Andrew Wingard and Caleb Ransaw for the starting job. He lost but eventually got playing time and made the most of it, registering a team-best five interceptions and nine passes defensed.
Heading into 2026, Johnson is firmly entrenched as the starter. Although the Jags have a pair of potential replacements for him in Jalen Huskey and Ransaw, neither has proven that he can make the same kind of impact as Johnson.
Sure, bringing back Johnson won't come cheap, but losing him would be a big blow to the secondary.
The Jaguars shouldn't use the franchise tag on Ventrell Miller
Ventrell Miller had the dreaded injury-prone label early in his NFL career. He missed time at Florida with a myriad of ailments and later suffered an Achilles tear as a rookie. However, the former Gator has managed to stay healthy the past two seasons and is trending toward becoming the starter next to Foyesade Oluokun in 2026.
Miller will have the tough task of replacing Devin Lloyd, who left for the Carolina Panthers after breaking out in 2025. However, he may not be much of a downgrade when you take into account that he outplayed Lloyd one year prior.
On the other hand, Miller may not possess the same kind of playmaking skills as Lloyd. And unless he also has a banner season, the Jaguars can afford to let him walk, especially when you take into account that sophomore Branson Combs has shown substantial improvement after going undrafted in 2025.
The Jaguars should use the franchise tag in Parker Washington
As noted before, the Jaguars have begun negotiations with Parker Washington, but until they consummate them, leaving in 2027 will remain an option, as unlikely as it may be.
This is a conjecture, but it's possible that contract talks hit a standstill because other receivers have gotten paid since the end of 2025. Understandably, Washington may want to have a similar deal. Coupled with the fact that he's an electrifying returner, he shouldn't cave.
It's hard to tell from an outside perspective what kind of contract Washington wants, but nobody would bat an eye if he wants anything from $18 million to $20 million. A team would be more than willing to pay him that amount if he hits the open market, which is why Jacksonville cannot afford to lose him.
And if it comes to that, the franchise tag will come in handy.
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