2015 NFL Free Agency: Likeliest Franchise Tag Targets
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) signals to the crowd during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
One of the things about free agency is the anti-climax brought about by franchise tags. Which players are most likely to draw that label for 2015 NFL free agency?
DeMarco Murray – RB – Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of a salary cap crunch so it will be difficult for them to hang onto key players. With Dez Bryant taking top priority as a long-term contract target, that means running back DeMarco Murray could reach free agency. Unless he takes a significant discount, expect the Cowboys to buy some time by tagging him for a year.
Demaryius Thomas – WR – Denver Broncos
A similar issue faces John Elway and the Denver Broncos front office. Their spending spree this past year has put their cap under serious duress, particularly with a host of their top offensive players set to hit the market. Among them is star receiver Demaryius Thomas. Given his value he’ll garner top priority, but if the numbers don’t match up the Broncos would be stupid not to tag him.
Jordan Cameron – TE – Cleveland Browns
Recent news that tight end Jordan Cameron plans to play out his contract with the Cleveland Browns is pretty much a signal that if they want to keep him around they’ll have to use the franchise tag because he clearly plans to test the market otherwise. Cameron is emerging as one of the best at his position, and his value to the Browns is obvious.
Mike Iupati – OG – San Francisco 49ers
Several teams around the league are notorious for pinching pennies and the San Francisco 49ers are one of them. They won’t overpay for anybody so it will be interesting to see what happens with guard Mike Iupati. He is easily one of the best in the league, but with Michael Crabtree also due for a new deal, the tag may be the only way for the 49ers to keep him around long enough to find common ground.
Jared Odrick – DE – Miami Dolphins
There is no question that Jared Odrick has emerged as a quality all-around defensive end for the Miami Dolphins. His two-way ability to rush the passer and stop the run are a big reason the Dolphins defense is so tough to move against. At age 26 Odrick is in his prime and is certain to garner attention from other teams. Miami has already used the tag once before to retain a defensive lineman. Don’t be surprised if they do it again.
Gerald McCoy – DT – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have as much if not more incentive to the do the same with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Unlike others who are really good, the defensive tackle has emerged as a serious argument for the best in the entire league. He rushes the passer, stops the run and doesn’t get injured. Oh, and he’s young. The Bucs would be daft if they let him escape.
Justin Houston – OLB – Kansas City Chiefs
Some guys are just really good at what they do and Justin Houston has become one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. After two years of double digit sacks in 2012 and 2013, he already has two one game into 2014. At age 25 he’s barely into his prime. Given how hard it is to find quality 3-4 pass rushers, the pretty penny he could make on the market is crazy. That is why the Kansas City Chiefs will keep that franchise tag exclusively for him.
It’s still a long way until 2015 NFL free agency arrives. Things change but as it stands don’t expect any of these player to hit the market next March.