Let’s Play Tag! Franchise Tag Deadline Passes
Let’s Play Tag! Franchise Tag Deadline Passes with Big Names Available
At 4 pm on January 5th, the franchise tag deadline passed. With big names flying around free agency, it should be interesting to see who signs their tag or who the next player is to hold out for a long-term. The franchise tag is a one-year contract with the average top 5 salaries as the salary for the position the player plays. Each team has the option to put it on one player and can’t put it on a player more than two years in a row. Each player has the option to sign the tag or decline it. Six players got tagged this year, let’s look at these players.
Demarcus Lawrence, DE
The Pro Bowl defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys has openly said he will not sign the franchise tag and is seeking a long-term deal. With the suspensions to David Irving and Randy Gregory, bringing back Lawrence could serve to be crucial for Dallas. The franchise tag would be 20.5 million if “Tank” were to sign, but it is very unlikely. Last season, the Boise State product earned his second straight pro bowl appearance as he totaled 10.5 sacks, 64 tackles, and 15 tackles for loss (TFL). He also recorded an interception, the first of his career. If Dallas cannot strike a deal with Lawrence, teams that would be suitable for Lawrence are Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and the New York Jets.
Dee Ford, OLB
In 2018, Dee Ford’s season will be remembered for an infamous offsides call in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. It’s sad that Ford’s season came down crashing and burning like this, but it shouldn’t go unnoticed the success he had. On a historically bad Kansas City defense, Dee Ford was the lone bright spot. In 2018, Ford had 13 sacks, 55 tackles, and forced 7 fumbles in a pro bowl season. Kansas City has openly said they are willing to trade Ford, and the team that keeps swirling around is the New York Jets. The Jets, who are looking to be active in the offseason, are also looking at Antonio Brown and LeVeon Bell. Ford would complement Jamal Adams on the defensive side and would solidify a defense for a team that is on the rise. As for Kansas City, they would be in big trouble if they lose Ford to free agency. Statistically one of the worst defenses in the league, it will be interesting to see how Kansas City approaches this situation.
Jadeveon Clowney, OLB
Flying under the radar in the offseason, Clowney should not be overlooked. Yet another defensive player that has been tagged, there has not been much noise surrounding the South Carolina product. Clowney had 9 sacks in 2018 and will look to emerge in 2019. Reports have shown that the Texans and Clowney are in talks for a long-term extension. I would not be surprised if Houston pulled the trigger and locked up the linebacker long term. Houston is also looking to sign Tyrann Mathieu. Will they be able to sign both? If not, who does Houston go with? Clowney has also not ruled out signing the tag, so that also comes into play. Clowney has a lot of potential still ahead, and it is unclear where his future will be in the next coming years.
Others Placed with Franchise Tag:
Frank Clark, DE
Robbie Gould, K
Grady Jarrett, DT
-By: Richie Dordas