In a move that comes as no surprise, the Lions have placed the team's franchise tag on Cory Redding. Redding is set to become a free agent on March 2nd, and by getting the franchise tag, the Lions will essentially prevent Redding from departing Detroit.
The Lions did this with Jeff Backus last year and ended up working out an extended contract. I imagine the Lions will try to do the same with Redding, but who knows if he even wants to be in Detroit in the first place. Nonetheless, here are the details of what exactly Redding will be paid:
The franchise designation comes with a one-year offer for $6,775,000 - the average of the five highest salaries at defensive tackle last season. The Lions have the right to match any offer Redding receives. If they let him go, they get to first-round draft picks.
I'm glad the Lions did this because I don't want to see Redding leave. He really was great last year at defensive tackle and can interchange between that and defensive lineman.