Washington Redskins: Should the Team Apply the Franchise Tag To Carlos Rogers?

Yesterday when teams like the Philadelphia Eagles were placing franchise tags on players like Michael Vick, cornerback Carlos Rogers of the Washington Redskins was asked if he had heard from the Redskins about the being franchised.

He said he had not.

When asked his feelings toward the franchise tag, he said we wouldn't be happy about it, but would take it.

I'm not surprised with his response about not being happy if he was tagged, most players don't like to be franchise tagged because it stops them from becoming a free agent and negotiating a larger contract.

Being franchise tagged means the player would have to make the average salary of the top five players at his position or 120 percent of his previous salary (whichever is greater).

Which brings me to the second half of Rogers' statement, that he would take the tag.

I think he'd take it because he probably wouldn't make top five cornerback money with his stone hands.  In fact, Rogers isn't even ranked among the top five cornerback free agents, so of course he'll take that money if he gets tagged.

This, of course, puts the Redskins in an interesting position.

To make their 3-4 defensive scheme work, they'll need solid cover corners.  Say what you want about Rogers' hands, the guy can cover.

So, naturally the Skins will probably want to resign Rogers if the price is right.

The Redskins could guarantee that Rogers is back by tagging him, but that would certainly mean they would over pay for his services.

It would appear the Skins are doing one of two things—they are either going to take their chances at resigning Rogers during the open free agency period (whenever that may be) or they have no desire to resign him at all.

I think the Redskins need to resign Rogers, but that doesn't mean they need to overpay him with a franchise tag.

Honestly, I think Rogers will be back in burgundy and gold next season unless some team (like the Raiders) throw some ridiculous amount of money at him.

We'll just have to wait and see through this new collective bargaining agreement as to when it gets done and how long of a free agent signing period there will be.