2012 NFL Free Agency: Most Shocking Franchise Tag Situations

The purpose of the franchise tag is to give teams a chance to retain their star players. However, they're not always used appropriately.

For instance, the Chicago Bears are on the verge of franchising Matt Forte. As you'll see later, this is insane.

Additionally, teams like the Buffalo Bills are considering drastic measures for a player not worthy of the designation. Times are tough in Buffalo, but they always are.

For these reasons and others, here are the most shocking franchise tag situations.

Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers don't gamble on the free agent market. However, Ted Thompson needs to double down on this $14 Million bet.

Backup quarterbacks are rarely franchised, but the New England Patriots set a precedent with Matt Cassel. Bill Belichick risked approximately the same amount and landed a second-round pick.

This offseason seems heavy on intriguing quarterback prospects with Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and the season-altering Peyton Manning. Regardless, there are still more job openings than viable candidates to fill them.

The Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals must consider all all available options. The Packers have a chance to do at least as well as the Pats did a few years ago. 

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

This move is not going to happen. 

The Oakland Raiders certainly would have considered placing the franchise tag on Michael Bush under prior management. Reggie McKenzie plays a different game.

Since gaining power, he has shipped out head coach Hue Jackson and parted ways with cornerback Stanford Routt. The defensive back had just signed a 5-year, 54.5 Million contract last season. 

McKenzie isn't scared to mold this team into his image. Unless overpaying two running backs is his forte, Bush will be moving on.

Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills

Stevie Johnson should not be franchised under any circumstances.

The Buffalo Bills are starved for a playmaker. Thus, Johnson's sporadic moments of ability have whetted Buffalo's appetite.

The Bills have trouble holding on to their stars and could use a popularity boost. However, Johnson isn't an elite receiver deserving of a franchise-tag payday.

He's an above-average wide receiver. He just isn't worth top-five money.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Jerry DeAngelo is gone. Yet, either things haven't improved under Phil Emery, or time is really required to heal all wounds.

Running backs are often thought of as a dime a dozen. However, there is an elite class that consists of Maurice Jones-Drew, Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice. 

All the above-mentioned can carry an offense. Matt Forte is in that class.

Lock the man into a long-term contract. Now. 

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

Peyton Hillis is not worth $7.7 Million. 

The Cleveland Browns and Hillis will benefit from a divorce. 

Regardless of whether Peyton really skipped a game because of his contract, the harm has been done. The baggage isn't worth it.

In addition, running backs have a short shelf life. Hillis needs to use his prime years to get that big contract by not being in a toxic situation.

Cleveland doesn't need the problem with a star-crossed stud. Find the next cog and plug him into the machine.

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Wes Welker preforms a crucial role for the New England Patriots. He makes a tough position looks easy.

Critics believe he is completely reliant on the system. However, he shouldn't be penalized because the offense enhances his particular skill set.

122 receptions is amazing, but converting on 71.9 percent of your targets is elite. 

The Pats must let go of Tom Brady's poor pass. Welker needs to be properly compensated.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Lock Ray Rice up.

The Baltimore Ravens do not have another another player in Rice's class. They need to secure any top-notch weapons they can.

Joe Flacco hasn't shown he can carry an offense. He might have it in him, but he is definitely not there now. 

Baltimore has to score more points to get to the next level. Rice is a step towards the right path.

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs might have thrown away a first-round pick on Johnathan Baldwin. However, it's entirely too early to make that call.

Baldwin is 6'4" and had a rough time being a successful 22 year old. The height separates him from others, while struggling to thrive at a tough age is normal.

Not many men have figured out who they are when they reach their early twenties. There is a possibility that paying Dwayne Bowe would declare to the young wideout that the team lacks faith in him.

Bowe has put together some solid seasons, but he isn't worth a franchise tag. 

Mario Williams, Houston Texans

The Houston Texans' decision is completely justified. 

Yet, it's remarkable.

Productive, non-diva former No. 1 overall picks do not hit the open market at the age of 27. Williams is just entering his prime. 

From 2007 to 2010, Williams recorded 48 sacks. In 2011, the defensive end responded to being switched to an outside rush linebacker by notching five sacks in five games.

Unfortunately for Williams, the Texans have built a solid defense. Players like J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing are capable of filling the void.

Williams' season did end prematurely due to an injury. However, there is still little to no reason not to sign him unless you're the Texans.