2012 NFL Free Agents: 10 Players Most Likely to Get Franchise Tagged

The following 10 players are the most likely to receive the franchise tag when NFL teams are allowed to start using the restriction on Feb. 20. The tag is allowed to be used from Feb. 20 to March 5, and free agency begins on March 13.

The franchise tag allows for teams to hold onto their free agents with a one-year contract at a positional base price while negotiating a long-term deal.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

There should be some hope of Brees and the Saints agreeing on a long-term deal without using the franchise tag, as both sides want the deal done, and no one is worrying about Brees walking away.

But if the two can't come together on a number, franchise tagging Brees gives the sides more time to get a long-term deal completed. Brees isn't going anywhere. 

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

The Bears and Forte haggled over contract numbers in 2011, and now we're at the point when Forte can become an unrestricted free agent. Chicago can't let that happen.

With Mike Tice taking over as offensive coordinator, Forte figures to take on an even bigger part of the Bears' offense. At $7.7 million next season, the Bears shouldn't think twice about slapping the tag on Forte. 

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

Jackson is one of the more interesting cases this offseason. While everyone knows he wants to be paid, you'd have to assume that he'll gladly sign the $9.4 million receiver tag for one season.

At the very least, Philadelphia gets another season for Jackson to prove he belongs long-term. If he hits free agency, it's very likely he'd run to the top money. 

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Rice represents such a large part of the Ravens' offense that this tag doesn't even need to be explained. He'll be in Baltimore in 2012.

Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

A growing number of fans in Green Bay are willing to let Finley walk in free agency. The Packers don't agree. Finley will be just 25 years old during 2012 and has yet to hit his potential.

Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy won't let such an important part of the offense walk when they can get him at a very manageable $5.4 million next season. He deserves the chance to prove he belongs.

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Another no-brainer here. Welker has more catches than any receiver in the NFL over the last five years, and the Patriots can't afford to let his production walk. The $9.4 million would satisfy Welker's need to be paid like an elite receiver, even if it's only for one franchise-tagged season. 

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have an interesting choice to make on their top-two free agents. Do you tag Bowe, a top-15 receiver, or Brandon Carr, who quickly has established himself as an emerging star at cornerback? Both will be tough to re-sign. 

Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

Davis was one of the more productive tight ends through 12 games last season, but a suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy stole his final four weeks. With so few receiving targets on the roster in Washington, Davis needs to stick around. The $5.4 million payout for one season is something the Redskins can swallow. 

Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Under the new CBA, restricted free agents are easier to sign away from other teams. Instead of two No. 1 draft picks, the tender now sits at just one. Is it possible that a team with a late first-round pick could swoop in and steal a guy like Foster at that price? Franchise tagging Foster would keep that scenario out of the question for the Texans.   

Matt Prater, Denver Broncos

Kickers are rarely franchise-tagged, but Prater made some big kicks in Denver last season, and the tag would only cost Denver just over $2 million. It would be a cost-effective way for the Broncos to cross off one of their many free-agent names this offseason.