The Tags Are In

The deadline for teams to use their franchise tags passed yesterday. Ten players were tagged. They represented most of the top players that were due to become free agents next Wednesday. Here are those ten players.

1.   Muhammed Wilkerson, DL, New York Jets
2.   Justin Tucker, K, Baltimore Ravens
3.   Cordy Glenn, T, Buffalo Bills
4.   Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears
5.   Josh Norman, CB, Carolina Panthers
6.   Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami Dolphins
7.   Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
8.   Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
9.   Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
10. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Los Angeles Rams

The only real surprise among the tags was that the Dolphins used the transition rather than the franchise tag on defensive end Olivier Vernon. The Dolphins did the same thing with tight end Charles Clay last year and ended up losing him to the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins can match any offer made to Vernon but receive no compensation if they decide not to do so. That's often enough for another team to go after a supposedly protected player. The transition tag has become pretty much useless in recent years but the Dolphins seem to favor it. I wonder if they will continue to use it if Vernon follows Clay out the door.

The Broncos used the exclusive franchise tag on linebacker Von Miller. That hadn't been done on a player other than a quarterback since 2007. Only the Broncos can negotiate with Miller. It's a wise move if the Broncos can't get Miller signed to a long term deal. Some team would have paid the huge contract and two first round pick price tag to get Miller on their team.

The Bills had to do some roster trimming (Mario Williams) to afford the $13.7 million franchise tag for tackle Cordy Glenn. The Bills salary cap health is so poor that they can't even afford their draft picks without letting some veteran players go. It's astonishing that teams can be so strapped for cash despite the recent significant increases to the salary cap.