Players Who May Get Franchise Tag

Players Who May Get Franchise Tag

Adalius Thomas

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

The Ravens seem somewhat reluctant to pay Thomas what he is probably worth on the free-agent market. To use the franchise tag, they'd have to pay the versatile Pro Bowl linebacker $7.2 million next season.

Josh Brown

Simon Bruty/SI

The Seahawks have a history of using their franchise tag and may do so again because they don't want to lose one of the NFL's most reliable kickers. They might be able to ink Brown to a long-term deal before having to place a franchise tag on him. But placing a tag on a kicker isn't very costly anyway, so it's not a bad alternative for Seattle.

Charles Grant

Don Juan Moore/WireImage.com

In another year, Grant likely wouldn't get the franchise tag, but with the salary cap rising, the Saints may use it on the five-year veteran. Grant, who had six sacks last season, would cost New Orleans $8.6 million if it uses the franchise tag on him.

Cory Redding

Brian Killian/WireImage.com

The Lions reportedly can use the franchise tag on Redding as a defensive tackle, even though he has played defensive end as well. That means about $2 million less for Redding next season. Redding, who is just 26, had eight sacks last year.

Patrick Kerney

Bill Frakes/SI

Most people believe the Falcons will let Kerney test the free-agency waters in March, because the defensive end tag is high and the Falcons don't have much cap room. But they could surprise everyone and try to wrap up the 30-year-old defensive end.