As expected, Cory Redding wasn't a happy man after finding out he was given the franchise tag. The franchise tag is one of the NFL's worst things when it comes to players wanting to become a free agent. A team can designate the franchise tag to one player in order to prevent that person from entering the free agent market in a serious way. The tag basically doesn't allow a player wanting to become a free agent to go to another team. For example, Cory Redding could now sign the one-year deal with the Lions and move on for now, explore his options and look for an offer from another team (unlikely as Detroit could match the offer and if the deal went through the Lions get two first round draft picks from his new team), or sign a long-term deal as Backus did after the initial one-year agreement.
When all is said and done, Redding will be back on the field for Detroit next year barring something completely unexpected. That doesn't mean that he will be happy with it though.
"It's not about that," he said. "When I came here four years ago, I had the determination and drive to turn it around. When I went to (the University of) Texas, I was part of (head coach) Mack Brown's first (recruiting) class and a bunch of us, including (quarterback) Chris Simms, turned the program around. I have the same determination for Detroit."
Either way, Redding coming back is big as the Detroit defensive line is much better off with him. Whether it is at defensive tackle or end, Redding will hopefully be an impact player. I feel for you Cory, but just make sure that you were worth of the franchise tag in the first place.