Penn State in the NFL updates: Ex-Nittany Lion gets tagged, and another is heading to free agency
It’s time for an update on Penn State players in the NFL.
The NFL Combine just wrapped up for ex-Nittany Lions who are hoping to make it to the pros. However, it’s money-making season for those who are already at that level.
Tuesday is a big day across the league. Each team has until 4 p.m. ET to decide whether or not it will use its franchise tag, and if so, who it will use it on.
Here’s what we know as of lunchtime.
Gesicki gets tagged
The Miami Dolphins announced Tuesday morning that former Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki will play under the franchise tag in 2022.
“The Dolphins and Gesicki will have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal. If no deal is reached, Gesicki will play the 2022 season on the franchise tender, which is worth $10.931 million for tight ends,” ESPN reports.
Gesicki was a 2018 second-round pick of the AFC East franchise. He’s started 30 games and played in 64 so far. He has 199 career receptions for 2,255 yards and 13 touchdowns
“I haven’t thought about it this season. I kind of just let it all play out,” Gesicki said on Jan 5.
“Because it doesn’t matter how much I think about it or don’t think about it, it’s not really up to me. I just kind of go about my business and kind of let everything fall where it may. I do appreciate this organization.”
Former Penn State receiver to hit free agency
Allen Robinson is expected to leave Chicago.
The Bears are unlikely to put the franchise tag on the former Penn State receiver again, according to ESPN, NFL Network, and others.
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Robinson has been with the NFC team since 2018. He started in the pros in Jacksonville, which took him out of Penn State in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
So far, Robinson has 495 career catches for 6,409 yards and 40 touchdowns over eight seasons. He figures to be in high demand as a free agent. Per Spotrac, Robinson’s market value is roughly a four-year deal worth $65,504,836. He could command even more depending on which other receivers are available, but either way, he’s destined to sign for a big payday before the 2022 season begins.
Latest on Godwin
Chris Godwin is expected to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers in 2022.
The former Penn State star was expected to cash in during his first free agency season. However, an injury ended his 2021 slate early. Now, NFL Network reports that the Bucs will place the franchise tag on him if they cannot agree to a long-term deal by the deadline.
Godwin has been terrific for the NFC team. This would be the second time it placed the franchise tag on him, however.
All told, he would make $19.18 in 2022, per ESPN, if an alternate agreement is not reached.
“Chris is so valuable to what we do, and obviously, we really, really want him back,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said last week, per ESPN.
