NFL Rumors: Giving Fred Davis Franchise Tag Is Smart Move for Redskins

The Washington Redskins are reportedly going to franchise tag tight end Fred Davis after a breakout season in 2011.

Despite missing four games due to a suspension, Davis achieved career highs in catches (59) and yards (796) and added three touchdowns to boot. All of this came with a group of nobodies throwing him the ball.

With the Redskins looking to acquire Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn or another QB in the draft, Davis should be in for another monster year—especially if he isn’t out for four games.

CSN Washington's Redskins insider Rich Tandler spoke about what the franchise tag would mean:

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The tag might be the best way to give Davis a trial year to see if he can steer clear of trouble before giving him a long-term deal. Although the salary under the franchise tag is fully guaranteed even if a player is suspended, the risk is relatively small as it will be about $5.5 million. If Davis does demonstrate that he is a good risk, the Redskins could work out a long-term deal with him sometime prior to the start of training camp. Or, they could wait and work out a deal a year from now. Under the rules, the Redskins could tag Davis again in 2013 but not after that.

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While the franchise tag is usually a bad thing as far as money that is owed to a player, this is the perfect scenario for the Redskins. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but Washington made a wise move.

Yuck.

It’s a no-brainer, though. Davis had a stellar season despite a lack of talent around him and missing four games. Add in a stellar QB, and this kid may become a top-five receiving tight end.

Not only is it smart to keep Davis for depth and talent, but he has the abilities that a guy like Manning or Flynn will look for when picking their new teams. Davis could be a serious safety valve for these quarterbacks.

The Redskins are right if they tag him, and it could be the difference between getting Manning and having to draft Ryan Tannehill.

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