Franchise Tag Deadline: Cousins, Miller, Norman among big names tagged
With the franchise tag deadline now in the rearview mirror, several big-name players find themselves set to play under the one-year designation in the event a long-term deal can't be agreed upon.
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, and Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman headline the group, although all three were expected to be tagged, with little chance their respective teams would let them hit the open market.
With the salary cap set at $155 million, each position has a confirmed franchise and transition tag amount for the one-year deal.
Here are the details of all the players who received the tag ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline:
Franchise tag
Redskins - QB Kirk Cousins
Salary: $19,953,000
The Redskins reportedly placed the franchise tag on Cousins.
By giving Cousins the non-exclusive designation, the Redskins have all but guaranteed he'll be their starter in 2016, unless another team's willing to give up two first-round picks to acquire him.
Broncos - LB Von Miller
Salary: TBD
The Broncos are the only team so far to use the exclusive franchise tag. The designation means they'll hold all of Miller's negotiating rights this offseason, and he'll be paid the still-to-be-determined average of the five highest-paid linebackers in 2016.
Miller put together one of the most impressive postseason performances in recent memory last season, and the tag will allow the parties to negotiate a deal that could make him the league's highest-paid defender.
Panthers - CB Josh Norman
Salary: $11,913,000
Although the Panthers placed the franchise tag on Norman before the deadline, negotiations for a potential extension are ongoing.
Norman said he'll understand if the Panthers use the tag on him, but at 28 years old, he's likely keen on reaching an agreement on what may be the only big contract of his career.
Chiefs - S Eric Berry
Salary: $10,806,000
The Kansas City Chiefs and Berry have both expressed significant interest in continuing their partnership, and the tag will allow negotiations to continue.
Berry is one of the league's premier safeties, and despite the high number of Chiefs' defensive players heading for free agency, he was always the clear priority.
Rams - CB Trumaine Johnson
Salary: $13,952,000
The Los Angeles Rams' decision between a pair of young corners went right up to the deadline. In the end, Los Angeles opted to use the tag on Johnson and tentatively give Janoris Jenkins the chance to test the open market.
Johnson's playmaking ability was on full display in 2015, as he finished the year with a team-high seven interceptions, two of which he took back for touchdowns. Still just 26 years old, the former third-round pick should soon be rewarded with a lucrative extension to take the place of the tag.
Bills - LT Cordy Glenn
Salary: $13,706,000
The Buffalo Bills entered the offseason with some significant salary-cap concerns. One way or the other, though, it was imperative for the team to keep Glenn off the free-agent market.
Buffalo reportedly parted ways with defensive end Mario Williams, freeing up more than enough space to use the franchise tag on Glenn. Negotiations for a long-term extension can now carry over into the summer.
Bears - WR Alshon Jeffery
Salary: $14,599,000
The Chicago Bears reportedly continued negotiating with wide receiver Jeffery right through the combine, but ultimately couldn't agree on a deal.
Jeffery's injuries likely made the Bears wary of handing him a large contract of similar value to the ones Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas earned last year. With the third-most cap room available, Chicago can let Jeffery play through the tag.
Jets - DL Muhammad Wilkerson
Salary: $15,701,000
Wilkerson is a victim of the embarrassment of riches along the New York Jets' defensive line. Struggling to determine how best to keep their talented group together - as Damon Harrison is a free agent and Sheldon Richardson is in line for a payday - the Jets have opted to use the hefty defensive end franchise tag on Wilkerson.
While a long-term deal is still the most realistic option, there's a chance New York will attempt to trade Wilkerson under the tag.
Ravens - K Justin Tucker
Salary: $4,572,000
Teams often utilize the franchise tag on kickers because of the relatively low price of the designation, and the Baltimore Ravens continued the trend by using their tag on Tucker.
Tucker has become one of the most accurate kickers in the league, and with the Ravens right up against the cap, a long-term deal will likely be easier to negotiate with him than the other tagged players.
Transition tag
Dolphins - DE Olivier Vernon
Salary: $12,734,000
The Miami Dolphins have been the only team so far to use the transition tag, placing it on defensive end Vernon.
After reportedly turning down a contract worth $12 million, the transition tag will allow the Dolphins to match any offer Vernon receives on the open market.