Tennessee Titans Free Agency: The Titans Franchise Michael Griffin

Jim Wyatt announced this morning that the Tennessee Titans would place the franchise tag on Michael Griffin. He was tagged before today's 4 p.m. deadline. 

This announcement, somewhat of a surprise to Titans fans used to the team letting its defensive starters test free agency (see: Jason Babin last year), changes the complexion of free agency. Without Griffin, the team would have needed to add two starters at safety. Free agent Jordan Babineaux is expected to re-sign when he's eligible on March 13. 

What does this mean?

It means the Titans are $6.2 million poorer on the salary cap. It means they can negotiate a long-term deal with Griffin, or let him play with the tag and try to earn a long-term deal in 2013. It means the Titans are less likely to draft a safety early, such as Mark Barron of Alabama. It's not 100 percent out of the question, though, as the team could need a replacement for Griffin next season.

We do know that while the Titans have until March 13 to work out a deal with Cortland Finnegan, he's as good as gone. Your Finnegan Titans jersey is now a throwback. Tennessee is prepared to move on and find cornerback help either on the current roster, through free agency or the draft.

When the Raiders franchised Tyvon Branch and the 49ers franchised Dashon Goldson, the safety market got thin. The relatively small $6.2 million salary cap number made it palatable to hold onto Griffin and his inconsistent play. 

What does Griffin have to say about the franchise tag?