Franchise Tag Restricts the Chiefs Chances at Top Tier Free Agents
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Over the past couple of weeks we've discussed who might get slapped with the franchise tag and what that would mean for the Chiefs. With the deadline to utilize the franchise tag quickly approaching (3:00 PM CST), the franchise tag ripple effects have already been felt in Kansas City.
Many of us in Kansas City hoped the Chiefs would get a shot at signing at least one of the top tier defensive players on the free agent market. However, the franchise tag has been applied to a couple of the biggest names: Karlos Dansby and Terrell Suggs (and Julius Peppers?).
So now we must focus our attention on who will likely be available come March 1st, the start of the new league year and of free agency. The following players appear poised to become free agents and could help the Chiefs:
Bart Scott (LB)
- 28-years old
- Missed 3 games in his career
- 1 Pro Bowl selection
Prediction: An interesting possibility, but competition for his services will be fierce considering he might be the most sought after linebacker in free agency this year.
Ray Lewis (LB)
- 33 years old
- 10 time Pro Bowler
- Coming off a 7-year, $50 million contract and still expects top tier money
Prediction: Not a chance he lands in Kansas City because of money and age restrictions.
Albert Haynesworth (DT)
- 27-years old
- Apparently basing his search on money, location and wins
- Could be the highest paid defensive player in the game
- Extensive injury history
- Largely non-existent career prior to his 2007 contract year
Prediction: Not a chance he comes to Kansas City. There is way too much money involved for a player that has only put up great numbers in contract years.
Chris Canty (DE)
- 26-years old
- Played in the Cowboys 3-4
- Drafted by Bill Parcells (Pioli/Haley connection)
- Rumored to be interested in going to the Dolphins
- Agent floated the idea that he's worth "Tommy Kelly money"
Prediction: Canty should get some sniffs but many of the rumors now center around him re-joining Bill Parcells in Miami.
Channing Crowder (LB)
- 25-years old
- Will likely be the cheapest option on this list
- Appears Parcells won't retain him in Miami
- Experience in a 3-4 defense
- Minor durability issues and experts say he's not a playmaker
Prediction: Crowder appears to be the type of player the Chiefs should be targeting. A second tier free agent coming off of his first contract. Ultimately, I don't think we'll sign him (Why is Parcells not retaining him? Remember, this is a Parcells' influenced team).
From some reading around the web today, it looks like a deal between the New Orleans Saints and Jonathan Vilma is likely to happen. However, a deal hasn't been completed yet so Vilma fans can continue to hold their breath.
Also, with Jordan Gross signed, the Carolina Panthers told Julius Peppers that they will assign him the franchise tag. So mark him off the list.
Click over to see a list of the franchise/transition tag numbers along with who has been slapped with the tag so far.
| Position | Franchise Tag | Transition Tag |
| Quarterback | $14.65 | $12.44 |
| Cornerback | $9.96 | $8.37 |
| Wide Receiver | $9.88 | $8.39 |
| Defensive End | $8.99 | $7.78 |
| Offensive Line | $8.45 | $7.74 |
| Linebacker | $8.3 | $7.48 |
| Running Back | $6.62 | $5.92 |
| Safety | $6.34 | $5.13 |
| Defensive Tackle | $6.06 | $5.45 |
| Tight End | $4.46 | $4.07 |
| Punter/Kicker | $2.48 | $2.26 |
Players who have been tagged:
- Arizona Cardinals: Linebacker Karlos Dansby
- Atlanta Falcons: Punter Michael Koenen
- Baltimore Ravens: Linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs
- Cincinnati Bengals: Kicker Shayne Graham
- Houston Texans: Cornerback Dunta Robinson
- New England Patriots: Matt Cassel
- New York Giants: Running back Brandon Jacobs
- [Update] Pittsburgh Steelers: Left tackle Max Starks
- San Diego Chargers: Running back Darren Sproles
- St. Louis Rams: Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe
- Seattle Seahawks: Linebacker Leroy Hill
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Receiver Antonio Bryant
- Tennessee Titans: Tight end Bo Scaife
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Careful Primetime
or Saint will come in and accuse you for being a guppy. Peppers “supposedly” got franchised about an hour ago on the Charlotte website. I haven’t seen it elsewhere yet.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
I just read
That they told him they will tag him. Haven’t seen an “official” link.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 19, 2009 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, me either
…the link was a blog (for one of the reporters) on the Charlotte site and am awaiting it as well.
I think this’ll be a “Jared” scenario for the Vikings this year. Tag and trade.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
Nice...I bet you can relate.
You got anything else derogetory to say? You write in caps much?
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
Not that I'm aware of.
And no, I don’t write in caps much. Figured you could take a little ribbing, but I guess those estrogen injections are working better than you thought.
All I have to say is "Thank you, Clark."
Haha
Here’s the ESPN quote on Peppers:
By reaching an agreement with Gross, the Panthers can now apply the franchise tag of defensive end Julius Peppers and they informed him of that Thursday.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 19, 2009 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
Was on NFL Network
about an hour ago as well according to PFT.com
God I hate ESPN.
All I have to say is "Thank you, Clark."
:)
I wonder if he’ll hold-out? He really is wanting to get out fo there.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
of..not "fo"
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
What is with the corners getting these huge deals?
Hayden from Indi is getting 43 mil. Asomugha is getting like 48 mil. Good to see AL blowing more money. Asomugha is a stud but come on.
AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.
Have they come out with the Asomugha numbers yet?
Heard it would be around $9 milliion/year.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 19, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah,
like $26 gauranteed for the first 2 years. That’s a little ridiculous.
All I have to say is "Thank you, Clark."
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/19/asomugha-lands-complex-three-year-deal-with-raiders/
All I have to say is "Thank you, Clark."
Corners
They are always very expensive free agents that’s why you have to grow your own, thanks Herm.
It is a three year deal for 45 mil
COuld be worth 50 mil. first two years are 28.5 mil if they keep him a third year then he gets the rest.
AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.
if the raiders don't pick up the option he would be a free agent in two seasons
AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.
It's retarded
because they basically franchised him, without using the tag. But, it’s the Raiders, so whatever.
All I have to say is "Thank you, Clark."
How about LT going to be the second highest paid running back on the team?
AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.
Yeah..that's an intersting one. Sproles is a heckuva RB. I dont think LT is the type to cop an attitude
…but who knows.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
If the Chargers can't work a long term deal with Sproles
he will get 6.5 mil for this season.
AFC West Champs in 2009? Mayyybee.
That's a nice chunk of change
I think he’s earned the chance, it’ll be a matter of playing up to his expectations and I think he can do it.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
Uh-Oh
I used to think we should NOT draft Curry with the #3. Now I don’t see how we keep from drafting him? Gotta get 2 starters in the offseason, right?
LB's
Its a good year for them. I say they take Crabtree. Why? They will trade Tony G and trade/release LJ. Where are the weapons? Bowe, Bradley is injury prone…
According to the clock
ya’ll have 7 more minutes to tag me. What cha gonna do?
We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.
"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
You got the transition tag
Not bad for a kicker.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 19, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions
In the war room
we’ve been discussing tagging you, only to trade your rights for picks
by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 19, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions
no trade for cokes?
throw in a cupcake and some click clacks and surely someone will take me!
We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.
"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Sproles just likely got a big fat raise
he went from a contract given to a third string RB to 6 million dollars…
being here in san diego
I can tell you that LT is a class act. He’s everything that LJ is not. Chances are LT will take a pay cut to stay in San Diego. He’s already come out and said it a number of times that he wants to retire as a charger. He knows he’s on the down side of his carrer. Funny thing is (or should I say the good thing) is that Carl Perterson’s twin AJ Smith is the general manager and doesn’t know his butt from page 8 and is trying to trade him.
by kcfaninsandiego on Feb 19, 2009 4:24 PM CST reply actions
Haynesworth can't be franchised
there were incentives in his contract that would allow him to become a UFA and he met them

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