Photo Credit: USATSI
The deadline for NFL teams to place franchise tags on players has passed. Â Some of the biggest names, including Dez Bryant and Justin Houston, were tagged while others like Devin McCourty and Ndamukong Suh were not, letting them become free agents.
1. Dallas Cowboys place tag on Dez Bryant. Â This one likely won’t sit well with Bryant, but after weeks of rumors swirling about a mysterious tape showing him doing something Ray Rice-esque, it should be a win for him. Â Bryant was hoping to get a long term deal from the team, but they did not seem as committed to him. Â Bryant has been one of the best receivers in the NFL and a player the Cowboys could not let walk out of their stadium. Â He deceives Calvin Johnson money, but he is going to have to wait at least another year to get it.
2. New York Giants place tag on Jason Pierre-Paul. Â This move is not too surprising as the two sides wanted to work on a long-term deal. Â Unable to agree on terms, this at least buys them some time. Â Pierre-Paul was at one time being compared to Giants legend Lawrence Taylor, however, he has been hindered by injuries and lack of quality defensive end to play with him. Â This team needs a serious boost on their defensive line which they could find in the draft. Â The two sides will likely continue working on getting a deal done before the season ends.
3. New England Patriots place tag on Stephen Gostkowski. Â This was the most surprising move of the day. Â Not because the Patriots used the tag, but because they used it on Gostkowski instead of their free safety Devin McCourty. It was a risky move as McCourty will likely be one of the most sought after free agents. Gostkowski is one of the best kickers in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors the past two seasons. It is not the first time the Patriots have used their tag on a kicker, but it may have cost them one of their best defensive players.
4. Â Denver Bronos place tag on Demaryius Thomas. Â Not a surprising move as the Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning wanted Thomas back as they attempt to make another Super Bowl run. Â He has been one of the best receivers in the league and has built a lot of chemistry with Manning. Â The two sides will continue to work on keeping Thomas in Denver long term. Â The team now must work out a deal to keep tight end Julius Thomas.
5. Â Kansas City Chiefs place tag on Justin Houston. Houston is one of the best linebackers in the league and deserves a top contract. Â Instead, the Chiefs placed the tag on him and things could turn sour. Â The two sides have until July 15th to get a long term deal, if they cannot agree then they cannot resume talks again until after the season is over. Â The team used a non-exclusive tag on Houston which allows other teams to sign him to an offer sheet; something Houston is said to be very interested in. Houston has until Week 10 to sign the franchise tag and likely will wait until then if no other team has an offer sheet. Other teams interested must surrender their 2015 and 2016 first round draft picks.
