Something I noticed about the franchise tag

[JDSmith]

If you play on the defensive line the franchise tag value is set by whether you are a DE or a DT, with DEs making more. But if you play on the OL everyone is lumped in together. There is one flat rate for OL, so if you are a LT you have no more value when franchised than a RG. To me that seems like a pretty big oversight, at least if you are a LT or a C, which I'd consider the two most valuable positions.

So the guy lined up over the LT is worth more, but the LT himself (who has to stop that guy) - not so much.

 

[Longboysfan]

NFLPA allowed that in the CBA.

 

[Insomniac]

Actually this was changed a couple of CBAs back. The players received this a a concession by the owners. LT are not hurt by this since the tag is to the average of the top 5 salaries in the position group. Since it's likely that in most years the top 5 salaries will all be LTs their number is no different than it would be anyway. OTOH it's unlikely anyone would use a franchise tag on a C or G so they get to be a UFA and have the opportunity to get a long term deal.

 

[Nightman]

Actually this was changed a couple of CBAs back. The players received this a a concession by the owners. LT are not hurt by this since the tag is to the average of the top 5 salaries in the position group. Since it's likely that in most years the top 5 salaries will all be LTs their number is no different than it would be anyway. OTOH it's unlikely anyone would use a franchise tag on a C or G so they get to be a UFA and have the opportunity to get a long term deal.

That means Fred and Martin won't be tagged. They can pick up the fifth year option for both though.