NFL Daily Dime: Franchise Tagged
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The goal of the Daily Dime is to keep you up to date on the NFL’s biggest stories of the day while providing you with the most current and accurate information.
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With the deadline for teams to use the NFL’s franchise tag fastly approaching, a number of clubs made moves to make use of the designation in an attempt to keep some of their best players on their rosters in 2017. The deadline for teams to use the designation in Wednesday, March 1st, at four P.M. ET. More teams are expected to tag key players over the next couple of days including the Washington Redskins tagging quarterback, Kirk Cousins and the Los Angeles Rams using the tender on defensive back, Trumaine Johnson. Teams not expected to use the designation are the Chicago Bears on wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery and the Cleveland Browns on wideout, Terrelle Pryor.
Cardinals Place Franchise Tag on Chandler Jones
As expected, the Arizona Cardinals used the franchise tag on outside linebacker, Chandler Jones. It was first mentioned by head coach, Bruce Arians, back in January that the team would use the tag to prevent Jones from hitting the open market.
The Cardinals and Jones have until July 15th to negotiate a long-term deal. If no agreement is reached by then, the 27-year-old linebacker will play under the franchise tender in 2017 for roughly $14 million.
Jones was acquired by Arizona in a trade with the New England Patriots last March. He became a dangerous pass rusher in the Cardinals’ second-ranked defense and racked up 11 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and four forced fumbles in 2016. His 23.5 sacks over the last two years are the third highest in the league and he is one of only three players with at least 40 sacks since 2013.
The Cardinals placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jones, meaning other teams are free to negotiate with the star linebacker. If an agreement is reached, Arizona will have the option of matching the offer. If they do not match the offer, the Cardinals would then receiver two first-round picks from whichever team Jones signs with.
Panthers use Franchise Tag on Kawann Short
The Carolina Panthers chose to use their franchise tag on defensive tackle, Kawann Short, Monday. The move was expected as head coach, Ron Rivera said the team would likely use the designation on Short earlier in the month.
The Panthers have until July 15th to negotiate a multi-year deal with the stout defensive lineman. If a contract is not reached, Short will play under the defensive tackle tender in 2017, worth around $13.6 million.
The fifth-year player finished 2016 as the third-highest paid interior defensive lineman. He is thought to be seeking between $17 and $19 million a year on a new deal, but is far from guaranteed to receive his asking price.
Short ranks third in sacks amongst all defensive tackles since 2015 with 17 quarterback takedowns. Last year with the Panthers, he recorded six sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. Short will look to continue his impressive play in 2017 as he looks to prove he is worth a long-term deal.
Giants Place Franchise Tag on Jason Pierre-Paul
The New York Giants decided to franchise defensive end, Jason Pierre-Paul, on Monday, as reported by the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, per a team source. Last year, the 28-year-old pass rusher was signed to a one-year $10 million contract. In January, Paul had said he would not be interested in signing another one-year deal and was looking for a long-term contract.
The Giants and Paul have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal, however, if an agreement cannot be reached, Paul is set to receive nearly $17 million under the defensive end tender.
In 2015 Paul struggled to regain his form following a Fourth of July fireworks incident in which he injured his hand. He bounced back in 2016, recording seven sacks in 12 games before suffering a groin injury that forced him to miss the remainder of season. Paul will look to pick up where he left off last year when he lead the team in sacks.
Steelers Placed Franchise Tag on Bell
On Monday the Pittsburgh Steelers placed the franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell with the team confirming the move. The Steelers used the exclusive tag on the star running back, locking him up in Pittsburgh for the near future.
The two sides have until July 15th to reach a long-term deal. If a deal is not reached, Bell is projected to earn roughly $12 million in 2017, per the running back tender.
Injury concerns and off the field issues have led the Steelers to franchising the 25-year-old back. Injuries have ended his past three seasons while suspensions have cost him the beginning of his last two.
In 2016, Bell recorded 1,268 rushing yards with seven touchdowns, while averaging a career best 105.7 yards per game on the ground. In just 12 games he totaled 1,884 yards from scrimmage while averaging a league best 157 yards from scrimmage per game.
There is no question of his value when he is on the field, but Bell’s inability to stay on the field have led to questions about his long-term value.
– Miles Dittberner, is the National Editor of cover32 and also covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
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