TAG...You're It! What NFL Players Will Be Hit with the Franchise Tag?

Today is the night before Christmas for potential free agents in the NFL. Teams have until 4 p.m. EST to use the "franchise" or "transition" tag on players set to become free agents.

Some people get excited about signing the franchise tender, because once it is signed, the amount becomes fully guaranteed.

Matt Cassell took about two seconds to sign his. 

Others are not so thrilled, because they are forced to stay with a team they don't want to be a part of anymore.

TJ Houshmandzadeh promised to boycott all offseason programs if he were to be tagged.

There are two different types of tags. Exclusive rights franchise, which means no one can even talk to the player. 

Or the "standard" type, where if a team were to sign the player, the original team has first right of refusal, meaning they can match the contract or receive two first-round picks in return.

Here is a list of some of the top "tag" situations, and what teams are going to do.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers or Jordan Gross? Peppers is already looking at the teams that are going to be fighting for his services. Gross is keeping quiet. Both are hoping the team uses the tag on the other one.

My guess would be that the tag is going to be used on Peppers. Gross is a solid tackle, but when healthy, Peppers is a force.

Cincinnati Bengals

With Stacy Andrews, Cedric Benson, and TJ Housmandzadeh set to become free agents, the Bengals tagged kicker Shayne Graham. Is it a wonder why this team can't win?

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona has chosen to tag Karlos Dansby. By tagging Dansby, Kurt Warner is free to sign anywhere he chooses. Apparently the Cards believe Warner won't want to leave.

As good as Dansby is, if the Cards lose Warner, they have no chance of getting back to the Super Bowl.

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore has once again tagged defensive lineman/linebacker Terrell Suggs. I have two thoughts on this.

What happened to the hometown discount Suggs said he, Ray Lewis, and Bart Scott were going to take to stay with the Ravens. If Suggs meant it, he should have given taken one already, so the tag could have been used on one of the others.

And what are the chances of Ray Lewis coming back instead of jumping ship to the Cowboys or Jets?

New York Giants

The Giants have already tagged Brandon Jacobs. That means that Derrick Ward will walk away to try to become a starter somewhere else.

Will Jacobs be as successful without Ward to back him up?

San Diego Chargers

Last year the Chargers let Michael Turner walk away, and he out rushed LaDainian Tomlinson, while in Atlanta this season. With the declining production, the Chargers had to tag Darren Sproles.

Sproles is not exclusive rights, so he can look at other teams, but no one is going to give up two first round picks to sign him.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Antonio Bryant has been tagged. He has been a very good wide receiver this season, but who is going to be throwing him the ball?

Tennessee Titans

Last year, the Titans used the tag on Albert Haynesworth. Due to a clause they put in the tag, Haynesworth could not be tagged again. This means he is free to go where he chooses this year.

Instead the Titans are using the tag on tight end Bo Scaife.

As of posting, we are six hours away from the deadline. This list could grow or shrink, depending on deals getting done.

It is time to play the high stakes game of Tag...You're it!