2012 NFL Free Agents: Tracking the Biggest Names on Franchise Tag Friday

Wes ODonnellMar 2, 2012

There are plenty of names being thrown around, but there a few expected to come down sooner than later.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports the following players are expected to be tagged barring any breakthroughs in long-term deals:

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Cliff Avril, Detroit Lions

He also reports two kickers, Josh Scobee (Jaguars) and Matt Prater (Broncos), as players "likely" to be franchised.

Wide receivers Vincent Jackson (Chargers), Stevie Johnson (Bills) and Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs) are all in "limbo" but possibilities as well.

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Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

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Franchising Ray Rice was a no-brainer for the Ravens.

The four-year veteran out of Rutgers is the most important piece of the Ravens offense, and both he and the organization know it.

This tag is simply a means to an end, as these two will continue to work on getting Rice signed to a long-term deal. They more than likely will reach an agreement before the July 15th deadline.

The news on Rice is official according to the Ravens Twitter account:

"
The Ravens have applied the franchise tag to running back Ray Rice: bmob.us/2nd
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 2, 2012"

Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons

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The Falcons were without Brent Grimes for several weeks in 2011, and his absence was very notable.

The four-year pro isn't the biggest name, or the biggest dude, but he's vital to what the Falcons want to do in the secondary.

It is not every day you come across a cornerback you can trust, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Falcons used their tag on the 28-year-old from Shippensburg University.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora broke the news:

"
Falcons are notifying CB Brent Grimes he will be franchised. More ahead on NFL.com #insideslant
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 2, 2012"

A report from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, however, reports that Grimes has no intention of signing the franchise tender:

"
“We have no plans to sign the tag at this time,” said Ben Dogra, Grimes’ agent. “We hope to be able to continue to discuss [through] all the issues at the appropriate time.”
"

At 28 years old, it is no surprise that Grimes wants to hold out for a long-term deal.

Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers

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The first move the reigning NFC West champions make is to franchise safety Dashon Goldson.

The five-year veteran has been a key contributor for the past three years and working towards a long-term deal with the 27-year-old is the within their best interest.

This past season he made 67 tackles, intercepted six passes, forced and recovered a fumble and was a key component of one of the league's stingiest defenses.

The 49ers' official Twitter broke the news:

"
The #49ers have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on S Dashon Goldson.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 2, 2012"

They'll likely word towards a long term deal with him as GM Trent Baalke said:

"
#49ers GM Trent Baalke on franchising Goldson - “Dashon has been a 49er since we selected him in the fourth round of the 2007 draft.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 2, 2012"

And he'll continue to be a 49er for now.

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Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

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One of the few bright spots this year in Washington was tight end Fred Davis before he was suspended for the final four games of the season.

The four-year pro turned in a career year in 2011 and the Redskins aren't about to let him get away despite his three failed drug tests. At only 26-years old he's still just scratching the surface of his potential.

Davis caught 59 balls for 796 yards despite inconsistencies at the quarterback position throughout the season and could do much better with someone else under center.

ESPN980 reports that the Redskins will use the franchise tag on their tight end:

"
#NFL Sources tell ESPN 980that the #Redskins have officially extended the franchise tag to TE Fred Davis.... fb.me/Oq1A4VZz
— ESPN 980 (@ESPNRadio980) March 2, 2012"

He'd be foolish to turn it down considering he won't find much guaranteed money thanks to his suspension.

Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals

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Four-year player Calais Campbell was set to hit the open market this offseason, but after a career year in 2011 they simply could let that happen.

Campbell, who possesses a rare combination of size (6'8", 300 pounds) and athleticism, is improving every single year.

He recorded 72 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles an interception and 10 pass deflections. The Cardinals cannot replicate that production with just any player.

ESPN's Adam Schefter dropped the Campbell tag information:

"
Cardinals announced that the team has placed the franchise tag on defensive end Calais Campbell.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2012"

Mike Nugent, Cincinnati Bengals

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And Mike Brown strikes again.

The Benglas have decided that former second round pick Mike Nugent is the man for them, at least for another year, and slapped the 30-year-old with the franchise tag.

It is not uncommon for kickers to be franchised and the Bengals, owners of two round picks this year, aren't wrong to do so.

Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy had the scoop:

"
#bengals will place their franchise tag on K Mike Nugent
— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) March 2, 2012"

He also reports that estimated tag for kickers is about $2.6 million.

Players Tagged Yesterday

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The tagging period opened on February 20th, but yesterday the first tags came down.

La Canfora reported that the Eagles franchised DeSean Jackson and the Raiders franchised Tyvon Branch.

The Eagles and Jackson are one of the cases of a team franchising a player with almost no intention of signing him to a long-term deal.

Philadelphia is simply protecting itself by hoping it can get something in return for the flashy yet controversial wideout.

Branch, a fourth-year veteran, has started every game in each of the last three seasons. More than anything, he brings stability to a team that lacks exactly that.