Three potential franchise tag options for the Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have 20 impending free agents, per Spotrac. The team won't bring all of them back for financial constraints and other reasons.

The Eagles lead the league in dead money with $46 million and are nearly $10 million over the cap, per Spotrac. 

The Eagles are expected to sign franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts to a contract worth $45 million to $50 million annually, per NBC Sports Philadelphia, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Wide receiver A.J. Brown's message to the team: Pay the man or I'm gone, per NFL.com. 

The franchise tag will be more valuable than ever for the Eagles. 

Teams can apply the tag to one player who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. It binds the player to the team for a season. The tag figure is based on the top five salaries at each position.

Here are the candidates for the tag:

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson

He excelled after his acquisition from the Saints last summer, tying for the league lead in interceptions with six and making 67 tackles. Gardner-Johnson deserves a long-term deal. However, if both parties can't agree on a price, it makes sense for the Eagles to franchise tag him. 

He is the team's top candidate for the tag, per NFL insider Adam Caplan.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave

Since signing with the Eagles in 2020, Hargrave has become a force to be reckoned with. The dynamic duo of Hargrave and Fletcher Cox is a matchup nightmare for most offensive lines.

In 2022, Hargrave totaled 60 tackles, 11 sacks and became one of the most notable Pro Bowl snubs. He was part of a swarming defense that led the league in sacks with 70.

Hargrave is No. 3 on Pro Football Focus' list of the top 50 free agents in 2023 and the best defensive tackle available in the free-agent market.

Possible landing spots are the cash-loaded Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks. 

Running back Miles Sanders 

The Eagles are 15-7-1 when Sanders rushes 15 times or more in a game, per StatMuse. He had a stellar season in a contract year, rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns and making his first Pro Bowl. 

Sanders posted his love for Philadelphia on Instagram, per NBC Sports Philadelphia, writing, "I  hope they bring me back."

When asked about Eagles GM Howie Roseman and the organization, he wrote: "I love you. I hope you love me too."

Unless Sanders is willing to accept a contract that's less than his market worth, the Eagles should move on from him. There are plenty of cheaper options in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.