2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Players Most Likely to Receive the Franchise Tag

The following five looming free agents in 2012 are the most likely to receive the franchise tag sometime this offseason:

Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

The Packers' enigmatic tight end wasn't as dominant in 2011 as many expected him to be. However, his skill set suggests that he should be one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.

Given his injury history and up-and-down play this season, it's unlikely the Packers will want to give him big money long-term. They also don't want to lose the 25-year-old tight end in free agency. Look for Green Bay to slap on the franchise tag on him to give him another season as a proving ground.  

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Forte's dispute with Chicago over his contract status was well-documented in 2011, and no solution looks near. Whenever the Bears find their new GM, Forte will be his first priority.

However, the likely scenario here is that the Bears put the tag on him for 2013. With Mike Tice taking over at offensive coordinator, the Bears simply can't afford to lose their best weapon.

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

The breakout season Lynch had in 2011 likely pushed his price tag out of the Seahawks' range long-term. However, that doesn't mean Seattle can afford to just let him walk away to the highest bidder. They can slap the tag on Lynch and get another year out of his legs while he is still in his prime. 

Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills

Johnson is rumored to want long-term money in the range of $7.5 million a season, but we all know that the Bills aren't going to throw that kind of money at him for just two seasons of production.

If the two sides can't come together on a number, the quick solution is the franchise tag. The Bills can handle taking on that salary over one season while they figure out if Johnson is worth long-term money.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Rice has been talked about as a franchise-tag option all season. The Ravens likely want to get Joe Flacco under contract long-term, and they could put off dealing with Rice's contract for another season if they gave them the tag. For a guy as productive as Rice, the one-year money is worth it in Baltimore.