NFL announces official franchise tag values for 2015 season
With Monday's official announcement that the 2015 salary cap will rise to a record $143.28 million, the NFL also released its positional franchise tag values.
Each number, on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, reflects the average of the top five salaries at the respective position, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Quarterback - $18.544 million
Running back - $10.951 million
Wide receiver - $12.823 million
Tight end - $8.347 million
Offensive line - $12.943 million
Defensive end - $14.813 million
Defensive tackle $11.193 million
Linebacker - $13.195 million
Cornerback - $13.075 million
Safety - $9.618 million
Kicker/Punter - $4.126 million
Quarterback, of course, leads the way at a massive $18.544 million, but there weren't any impending free agents at the position in line to receive the one-year tender this year.
Perhaps most intriguing is the value presented at the kicker/punter spot, especially for the defending Super Bowl champions. Despite standout safety Devin McCourty also being a candidate for the tag, the New England Patriots opted to give the one-year designation to kicker Stephen Gostkowski ahead of Monday afternoon's deadline.