The NFL's franchise tag deadline was yesterday, resulting in another flurry of tags being designated. In total, 21 teams used their franchise tag this offseason, which set a record by a decent margin. In the past, the franchise tag was seemingly reserved for a certain level of players, but with the average salary dropping for tags in the new CBA, more teams than ever before felt comfortable giving it out.
Here's the full list:
- QB Drew Brees (Saints)
- RB Ray Rice (Ravens)
- RB Matt Forte (Bears)
- WR DeSean Jackson (Eagles)
- WR Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs)
- WR Wes Welker (Patriots)
- TE Fred Davis (Redskins)
- DE Calais Campbell (Cardinals)
- DE Cliff Avril (Lions)
- DE Robert Mathis (Colts)
- LB Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)
- CB Brent Grimes (Falcons)
- S Dashon Goldson (49ers)
- S Tyvon Branch (Raiders)
- S Michael Griffin (Titans)
- K Mike Nugent (Bengals)
- K Phil Dawson (Browns)
- K Matt Prater (Broncos)
- K Josh Scobee (Jaguars)
- K Connor Barth (Buccaneers)
- P Steve Weatherford (Giants)
Out of these 21 players, only Brees received the exclusive franchise tag, preventing him from negotiating with teams other than the Saints when the league year begins in a week.