Tag in play for Bears, Melton on Monday

[johnnyd]

The Chicago Bears can play tag with Henry Melton beginning on Monday, a measure that would ensure the defensive tackle remains in place for 2013.
NFL teams have from Monday through March 4, a 15-day window, to apply the franchise tag in advance of free agency and the start of the new league year on March 12. Barring a multi-year contract for Melton, it seems like a good bet general manager Phil Emery will elect to use the franchise tag for the second consecutive year after applying it to running back Matt Forte in 2012. Doing so could lock up nearly one-third of the team’s salary cap in four defensive stars, though.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...0,682766.story