The Latest Buzz on Every NFL Player Stuck with a Franchise Tag

For the 2012 NFL season, 21 teams applied the franchise tag before the free-agency period began.

Since the deadline was back in early March, let's take a look at the latest on each player that received a franchise tag a couple of months ago.

Calais Campbell: DE, Cardinals

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Calais Campbell and the Arizona Cardinals found mutual ground earlier in May:

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Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell has signed a five-year contract extension worth $55 million with $31 million guaranteed, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Friday.

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This was a great move by Arizona, as Campbell has registered 21 sacks and 180 tackles with 17 defended passes the past three seasons. He's a complete player, and the Cardinals defense will be tough to move the rock against this season.

Brent Grimes: CB, Falcons

In late April, according to Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes signed his franchise tag:

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Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes signed his franchise tender on Tuesday.

Grimes did not attend the start of the Falcons’ voluntary offseason training program on Monday [April 23]. It is unclear if both sides will continue to negotiate toward a long-term deal.

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With the Falcons OTAs beginning at the end of the month, it'll be interesting if any long-term talks happen. Not to mention, Atlanta now has veteran Asante Samuel to present opposite of Grimes this year.

Ray Rice: RB, Ravens

Ray Rice is the key to the Baltimore Ravens. He's the best running back in the AFC North and easily one of the most complete every-down backs in the league. Unfortunately, nothing has progressed between Rice and the Ravens this offseason.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times, Rice didn't speak of his contract situation:

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Rice, 25, didn't discuss his contract situation.

The Ravens have continued to hold a dialogue with Rice's agent, Todd France. Meanwhile, Rice has yet to sign his $7.742 million franchise tender and isn't planning to report to offseason workouts and practices until a new deal is negotiated.

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For Rice's, Baltimore's and Ravens fans' sake, let's hope a deal gets done before training camp. Otherwise, a promising 2012 season could turn out to be quite disappointing.

 

Matt Forte: RB, Bears

Just like Ray Rice in Baltimore, Matt Forte has yet to come aboard for the Chicago Bears. The good news, though, is that quarterback Jay Cutler told Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times that he expects Forte to be ready Week 1:

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Maybe they get a deal, maybe they don’t. But at the end of the day, we’ll have him the first game. I rest easy at night knowing that Matt is a true professional and he’s going to come in and he’s not going to miss a beat.

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With Michael Bush also in the backfield, Chicago's ground game won't suffer with or without Forte. Still, if the Bears want to challenge Green Bay for the division title, having that two-back system gives the Windy City a major advantage in the NFC North.

Mike Nugent: Kicker, Bengals

2011 was an important year of production for Bengals kicker Mike Nugent, because it was his first full season since 2007. After having kicked in only 16 games the previous three seasons, Nugent had a strong performance with 132 points and knocking down 16 field goals from 40-plus yards.

In late April, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the kicker signed his tag:

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Bengals kicker Mike Nugent has signed his franchise tender, which is worth $2.654 million. Nugent had a base salary of $685,000 last season.

Both sides are hoping to get a long-term deal done. They have until July 15 to do so or else they can not negotiate again until the offseason.

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Coming off of an impressive season, Cincy needs Nugent to help win those tough, low-scoring battles in the AFC North.

Phil Dawson: Kicker, Browns

As in 2010, Browns kicker Phil Dawson received the franchise tag in 2011. According to Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Dawson signed in late March:

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Kicker Phil Dawson signed his one-year tender Monday [March 19] as the Cleveland Browns' franchise player.

The only steady facet of the franchise since its expansion rebirth. Dawson will make $3.8 million next season, a raise from the $3.175 million he made last season

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Considering that Dawson is 37 years old, a long-term deal doesn't seem like a viable option. But the man is consistent from any range, so a short multi-year deal wouldn't be a bad idea.

Anthony Spencer: LB, Cowboys

Almost a week before the 2012 NFL draft, Anthony Spencer signed his franchise tag, according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins.

It's going to be a competitive year in the Dallas front seven, as rookie Tyrone Crawford comes on to help get more quarterback pressure. With Dan Connor and Sean Lee at inside linebacker, Spencer will have a great year with so much talent around him.

Lest we forget about DeMarcus Ware, Spencer has played consistently well opposite of the NFL's best pass-rusher and enters the 2012 season having recorded six sacks, 66 tackles and four forced fumbles.

Matt Prater: Kicker, Broncos

If there's one guy that kept Tebowmania alive throughout the 2011 season, it was Denver kicker Matt Prater. The man connected on long shot after long shot for the Broncos in game-winning situations, so retaining him is vital.

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Prater has yet to put his signature down:

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The June 12-14 minicamp is mandatory, although Prater is currently not under contract because he has not signed his franchise tag tender.

The Broncos did make Prater one, five-year offer prior to free agency, but the dollars were well short of what the kicker thought was his value.

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With an improved offense and defense, Denver still desperately needs Prater for 2012. The Broncos face arguably the league's most difficult schedule early on, and a few close games could cost Denver its season if Prater isn't there to set up shop and knock down three points.

Cliff Avril: LB, Lions

Arguably the best defensive player for the Lions, Cliff Avril had a great 2011 season but was hit with the franchise tag. Avril's counter to Detroit was not signing, and according to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, the situation remains stagnant:

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Avril and the Lions remain at an impasse in contract talks. He is sitting out the team's off-season program and working out privately at Total Performance Training Center in Wixom.

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If the Lions want to remain playoff contenders, getting Avril long-term is the solution. Having set career highs in sacks (11) and forced fumbles (six) last season, Avril was one of the NFC's best defenders.

And if Avril is lined up on the outside applying pressure this season, Detroit will allow even more passing yards than 2011.

Robert Mathis: DE, Colts

Despite not having Peyton Manning under center, the Colts have enjoyed a solid offseason. The draft went well, and back in March (according to the Associated Press, via KGW.com), Robert Mathis was retained long-term.

So in the Andrew Luck era, Mathis gets to team up with Dwight Freeney some more as Indy enters a rebuilding phase. Only 31 years old right now, Mathis has a few dominant years left and has endured a consistent career.

It will be fun watching him come off the edge opposite Freeney once again.

Josh Scobee: K, Jaguars

One of the few bright spots not named Maurice Jones-Drew for Jacksonville in 2011, kicker Josh Scobee connected on 92 percent of his attempts and made 14 from 40-plus yards.

Still, Scobee has yet to sign the tender, according to Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union:

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The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on him for a one-year deal worth $2.88 million and Scobee has not signed it. He wants a long-term deal and the Jaguars are hoping to sign him to one, although little progress has been made on that front so far.

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Now take into account the Jaguars averaging just 15.2 points per game last season, and Scobee was their best chance to score. As for 2012, Jacksonville has upgraded the offense, but the absence of its reliable kicker will hurt scoring opportunities.

Dwayne Bowe: WR, Chiefs

According to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe isn't expected to sign his franchise tag.

That said, Kansas City ranked No. 25 in passing offense last season but did have injury issues at quarterback. If Bowe remains out, the Chiefs will be even worse at throwing the ball in 2012, as he is their best receiving weapon.

Defenses will simply play man coverage against Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin while blitzing relentlessly. The deep threat off play action would be irrelevant, and K.C. doesn't field a balanced attack.

Any shot at contending for the AFC West remains unrealistic unless Bowe gets on board.

Wes Welker: WR, Patriots

Tom Brady finally has his favorite receiver back in action, as Wes Welker has put his signature to paper. According to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Welker signed on Tuesday:

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The Patriots' receiver signed his one-year franchise tag yesterday, which guarantees him $9.5 million, and took a “leap of faith” there would be a bigger payday down the road.

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It's obvious that the Patriot Way has won again, and the team-first philosophy still exists in New England. Put yourself in Welker's shoes, and think about what the 2012 season has to offer.

Brady has umpteen targets to choose from when dropping back, and Bill Belichick improved the defense. Another Super Bowl run is possible, and as arguably the best receiver in the AFC, Welker made a wise decision.

Drew Brees: QB, Saints

The 2012 offseason has already been one to forget for Saints fans, and it only remains frustrating as Drew Brees remains unsigned. According to Mike Triplett of the Times-Picayune, we can't expect anything to happen soon:

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The two sides may wait until the final hour before the July 16 NFL deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals.

Nobody has picked up the phone for more than a month to resuscitate talks, and there's no indication either side will reach out in the near future.

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Coming off of a historic season, Brees clearly is the conductor of the New Orleans offense. Even without Sean Payton, the Saints would be fine with Brees at the helm. But missing him for 2012 will cost the Big Easy a playoff spot.

The defense remains vulnerable to the pass and play action, so the Saints' only chance to win is by outscoring everyone. Well, that doesn't happen unless Brees is under center and spreading the field.

Steve Weatherford: Punter, Giants

Although he managed to drop 42 punts inside the 20-yard line for the New York Jets in 2010, Steve Weatherford wasn't brought back to Gang Green and instead helped their inner-city rival Giants win Super Bowl XLVI.

Then, a little more than a week after getting tagged, Weatherford got a long deal from Big Blue, according to Mike Florio of NBC Sports.

This is a big move for the Giants because the punt play is the most important of any game. Football is a field position battle, and when you have a guy like Weatherford that can pin opponents deep (five inside the 20-yard line between the NFC title game and Super Bowl), that's an extreme advantage.

Tyvon Branch: Safety, Raiders

Earlier in May according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, Tyvon Branch decided to go with his franchise tag:

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Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch will sign his franchise tender Monday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The Raiders later confirmed Branch signed his tender worth a reported $6.2 million and returned to workouts with the team.

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Branch is easily the Raiders' best defender, having recorded over 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. Possessing the versatility to blitz, roll down for run support and take on tight ends in man coverage, Branch will be the man for Oakland to build its defense around.

DeSean Jackson: WR, Eagles

2011 was certainly a disappointing season for DeSean Jackson, but then again, it was a disappointing year for the Philadelphia Eagles as well. That led to Jackson getting tagged, and ultimately a longer contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

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Jackson agreed to a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday [March 14]. A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter the deal is worth $51 million.

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It's a smart move by Philly, because the draft went quite well. The defense got a significant boost with Fletcher Cox, and Iowa receiver Marvin McNutt has No. 1 receiver potential. Despite being Super Bowl paper champions last preseason, the Eagles' 2012 offseason enhances that for the upcoming year.

Dashon Goldson: Safety, 49ers

Fielding one of the NFL's best defenses in 2011, the San Francisco 49ers have increased expectations for 2012. Unfortunately, there has not been any contract progression with safety Dashon Goldson.

According to Mindi Bach of CSN Bay Area, Goldson remains distant:

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CSNBayArea.com has learned from a source close to the situation that the 49ers' franchise player has no immediate plans to visit the Bay Area or sign his tender. 

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If this situation doesn't change, the 'Niners take a big hit to their defense. Last season Goldson continued his consistency with six picks, nine defended passes and 67 tackles. Now, San Francisco doesn't need him near the box as much, as its front seven is arguably the best in the biz.

However, Goldson's experience in the secondary will only benefit the 49ers even more in 2012, as the NFC West has improved. Arizona got Michael Floyd to boost the passing game, and Seattle has a great ground game to set up play action.

In 2011 the 49ers only ranked No. 16 against the pass, so that vulnerability remains. With Goldson back deep, the front seven can risk being more aggressive, but his absence will significantly reduce San Francisco's NFC title chances.

Connor Barth: Kicker, Buccaneers

Last season, Connor Barth connected on almost 93 percent of his field-goal attempts, and he scored over 100 points for a second straight season. And although the kicker has yet to sign his tender, there appears to be optimism regarding the situation, according to Tampa Bay Online:

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"He just decided to come in and be with his teammates,'' general manager Mark Dominik said. 

Barth, who skipped the team's voluntary minicamp last month, was not available for comment Tuesday, but Dominik said negotiations aimed at signing Barth to a long-term deal are ongoing

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Taking a look at what the 2012 season has in store for Tampa Bay, getting Barth back is imperative. The defense has made impressive additions through the draft with Mark Barron, Keith Tandy and Lavonte David, while the offense has Doug Martin to share carries with LeGarrette Blount.

That duo will set up the play-action pass for Vincent Jackson, and Barth will get more scoring opportunities. That is, if a deal were to get done.

Michael Griffin, Safety, Titans

Despite not signing his tag yet, Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reported in April that Titans safety Michael Griffin signed a waiver to participate in offseason workouts.

For one, this displays great character on Griffin's part, as he chose to be with teammates despite not having a contract. We've seen guys that haven't signed just working out alone, whereas Griffin wanted to be with the team.

The long-term effect of this will be apparent when the season begins. Griffin is getting the best of both worlds right now, hoping for a better deal but not missing practices either.

With 17 picks and 44 defended passes in five seasons, not missing a beat before 2012 increases Griffin's odds at a career year this fall.

Fred Davis: TE, Redskins

Since his rookie campaign, Fred Davis has gradually increased his contributions to the Washington Redskins. 2011 was his best season by far, as Davis collected almost 800 yards on 59 receptions despite only playing in 12 games.

Back in March, according to Chuck Carroll of CBS DC, Davis signed his franchise tag, which was huge for Washington, as the Redskins eventually drafted Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Provided that Chris Cooley returns to normal form, Washington then has two reliable tight ends for RG3 to count on, as well as a solid ground game.

The vast array of weapons that includes receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan becomes more dangerous, as Davis has the proven ability to beat single coverage and work well off of play action. 

John Rozum on Twitter.