2016 NFL Free Agency: Players Who Might Escape Franchise Tag

Sometimes the free agent period can be somewhat anticlimactic because all of the notable players have already signed long-term extension or, when negotiations break down, are kept in place for a year by the franchise tag.  It’s the great equalizer for teams who wish to keep their rosters intact.

However, every year there seems to be one or two names who might “slip the net.”  That is to say they’re good enough to be franchise tagged but aren’t.  With 2016 NFL free agency approaching, who are some names that could join that list?

Alshon Jeffery (WR, Chicago Bears)

The situation for Alshon Jeffery is interesting.  When he was on the field for Chicago in 2015, it was obvious he was an impact player.  Still he missed seven games with injuries and there’s been little indication from the front office they’re anxious to get him back.  On top of that, the Bears have been spotted looking hard at wide receivers at both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.  There is no doubt they have the money to re-sign him, but do they have the desire?

Cordy Glenn (OT, Buffalo Bills)

Left tackles are at a premium in the NFL.  Everybody knows this, especially ones who are good in pass protection.  So it’s no shock that Cordy Glenn, who allowed just two sacks this season for Buffalo, is expecting a big deal.  The problem is the Bills may not be in position to give him one.  As it stands they will be over $3 million in the red this coming year.  So unless they find a way to create a lot of cap space in a short time, it’s possible they might lose him.

Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets)

A multitude of reasons may compel the Jets to avoid using the franchise tag on Wilkerson.  It would be expensive for starters, and they are projected to have just over $10 million in cap space.  He’s also recovering from a broken leg suffered late in the year.  Besides, they just drafted Leonard Williams #6 overall who played really well as a rookie.  He is more than capable of taking over for Wilkerson if the Jets preferred to save the money.

Olivier Vernon (DE, Miami Dolphins)

Money is indeed the problem for the Dolphins.  Thanks to the huge contract they forked over to Ndamukong Suh, along with Ryan Tannehill’s deal, they are over $2.6 million in the red.  That’s why they’re already talking about restructuring Suh’s deal.  Not that it would do much for the situation with Olivier Vernon.  The defensive end is coming off a great season and is primed for a major contract.  Add in the fact there are whispers he wishes to leave and it’s the right formula for a big fish to escape the net.

Trumaine Johnson (CB, Los Angeles Rams)

The issue at hand with Johnson is not so much injury or being disgruntled with the team.  It may be a situation of numbers.  The St. Louis Rams have $32 million in cap space coming but also three of their starters in the secondary who need new contracts.  The others are fellow corner Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod.  Chances that they can secure all three before free agency is unlikely, which may mean they will have to let one explore the market and hope he returns.  Johnson could be that one.