The NFL has indicated it intends to use the franchise designations...

[CCBoy]

On Thursday, the league said it expects the franchise tag to be available for 2011, despite language in the labor agreement that would support an argument against viability of the tag upon expiration of the agreement.

Does this now allow, the crack for the Union to gain a hold on advantage in negotiation?

This one smells like business as usual in the corner of the owners. That should yield a little public sentiment.

 

[burmafrd]

I think its a trial baloon to see what the NFLPA counters with.

 

[CCBoy]

Could be. But if it were boiled down to clarification of contractual obligations, then a lingering court action and delay could be quickly added to the mix. Risky on the part of Goodell?