As the deadline for NFL teams to declare their intentions to use franchise tags or transition tags on their soon to be free agents came on Tuesday, ten teams got in on the action. The franchise tags can either be exclusive (meaning no other team can make an offer) or non-exclusive (team gets the right to match any offer, un matched offer gets compensation of two first round picks). The transition tag gives the team the right to match.
The tags carry one year tender offers. The teams and the tagged players have until July 15th to negotiate multi-year deals. Otherwise, they will only be able to play after signing the one-year tag.
Exclusive Franchise Tags
Von Miller, Linebacker, Denver Broncos – The Broncos were the only team to use an exclusive tag, placing it on Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller.
Non- Exclusive Franchise Tags
Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Washington Redskins – Washington placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on their starting quarterback, with a tender offer value of $19,953,000.
Josh Norman, Cornerback, Carolina Panthers – The top corner on the NFC Champion Panthers was sure to attract free agent interest if allowed to hit the open market. Instead he gets a one-year tender offer of $13,942,000.
Trumaine Johnson, Cornerback, St. Louis Rams – The Rams have chosen to place the tag on corner Trumaine Johnson, allowing Janoris Jenkins to hit the open market.
Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears – Jeffrey’s stats were down last year after he was hampered by a hamstring injury and limited to nine games. The Bears will spend at least $14,599,000 to keep their talented wide out in the fold though.
Eric Berry, Safety, Kansas City Chiefs – The NFL’s comeback player of the year was given a one-year tender offer of $10,806,000. Media reports indicate that Kansas City is working on a long-term deal with Berry.
Cordy Glenn, Left Tackle, Buffalo Bills – The Bills have placed the franchise tag on Glenn, who graded out very well at left tackle for the team last year. The tag is worth $13,706,000.
Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Line, New York Jets – Stout against the run, and putting up double digit sacks. The Jets will keep their top defensive lineman at a cost of $15,701,000.
Justin Tucker, Kicker, Baltimore Ravens – Baltimore will look to lock up one of the leagues top kickers, with a tender offer of $4,572,000 on the table.
Transition Tags
Oliver Vernon, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins will try to keep one member of their formidable pass rush in the fold with their transition tag worth $12,734,000. The Dolphins lost tight end Charles Clay last year, despite using a transition tag.
