Franchise Tag Primer: Miller, Norman among those who may be tagged

The NFL's franchise tag is a weapon that teams can use to help gain leverage against their star players during contract negotiations, but its use has become less frequent in recent years.

Only six teams have used the tag in each of the last two seasons, and it's unlikely that number will increase this year with another bump in the salary cap expected.

With the franchise tag becoming available from Feb. 16, let's look at which teams could opt to exercise it:

Most likely to use franchise tag

Denver Broncos - LB Von Miller or QB Brock Osweiler

The Denver Broncos will not let linebacker Von Miller anywhere near the open market, with general manager John Elway indicating they're prepared to use the tag on the Super Bowl MVP if a long-term contract can't be agreed upon. While it's unlikely Miller accepts a new deal before Tuesday, it's possible, which would let the team use the tag to keep quarterback Brock Osweiler away from free agency.

Chicago Bears - WR Alshon Jeffery

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery fought through injuries during 2015, but remains the Chicago Bears' most explosive offensive weapon, and they would be crazy to let him test free agency. Jeffery will likely command a contract similar to that of Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas, so it'd be logical for the Bears to use the tag, allowing Chicago more time to hammer out a long-term deal with the 25-year-old.

Carolina Panthers - CB Josh Norman

Josh Norman had a breakout season in 2015, propelling himself into the upper echelon of NFL cornerbacks. Because of this, the Carolina Panthers will have to break the bank to keep him. The franchise tag could be the smartest move for Carolina because, while Norman had a spectacular season, it's still his only year of elite production. The Panthers might not want to hand the 28-year-old a massive contract and could use the 2016 season to evaluate whether Norman's worthy of such a deal.

Washington Redskins - QB Kirk Cousins

The Washington Redskins appear to have found their franchise quarterback, and now they'll have to pay to keep him. Kirk Cousins could command a deal worth around $18 million-$20 million per year, and because of the complexity of long-term contracts for quarterbacks, the Redskins have said they're prepared to tag Cousins. However, a new contract for Cousins would allow Washington to look to the future for the first time in recent memory.

Could also use franchise tag

Cincinnati Bengals - S George Iloka, S Reggie Nelson

George Iloka is not a household name, but he has become one of the best safeties in the league in recent years, although injuries slowed him in 2015. Fellow starting safety Reggie Nelson will also be a free agent, but Ikola appears more likely to get the franchise tag as the 25-year-old is arguably the more enticing long-term option.

New York Jets - DE Muhammad Wilkerson

The New York Jets' embarrassment of riches along the defensive line could catch up to them this offseason as Muhammad Wilkerson heads for free agency. Despite a broken leg, Wilkerson would be snapped up on the open market, so the franchise tag - while not ideal at an estimated $16 million - would give the Jets time to evaluate the best way to keep their talented defensive line together.

Kansas City Chiefs - S Eric Berry

Safety Eric Berry overcame cancer and returned to All-Pro form in 2015 for the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning he'll command a deal that puts him among the highest-paid players at his position. However, there have been indications that talks between Berry and the Chiefs are progressing, so a deal's likely to be finished before the tag is necessary.

Buffalo Bills - LT Cordy Glenn

Left tackle Cordy Glenn is the key piece of the Buffalo Bills' offensive line, and proved as much with an impressive 2015 season. While the Bills have significant cap woes, they cannot let Glenn go and risk watching their offensive line regress in 2016. The tag would allow the Bills time to work out a cap-friendly deal.