Redskins expected to 'franchise' Fred Davis
The Washington Redskins are fully expected to use the franchise tag on tight end Fred Davis, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.
Recently reinstated to the NFL, Fred Davis was suspended for the final four games of the 2011 regular season for multiple failed drug tests. While Davis' suspension was not the kind of behaviour a team would like to promote, he was having a career year.
Davis passed Chris Cooley on the depth charts early on in the season and was on pace to do some serious damage to opposing teams. In just 12 games played the 26-year-old posted a career-high 59 receptions and 796 receiving yards, adding three touchdowns.
The franchise tag for a tight end in 2012 is projected to be around $5.5 million. This move would make a lot more sense for the Redskins than signing Davis to a long-term contract would, as the former second-round draft pick will receive a season-long suspension if he fails another drug test.
