[News] Eisenberg: Thankfully, Ravens Avoid Franchise Tag Drama Again

[BR News]

The franchise tag is a messy endeavor no one likes. Just ask the Dallas Cowboys and WR Dez Bryant.

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[Bob21043]

We can't let Tucker walk - he's one of the most dangerous weapons in the league!

[fusuymada]

Looks like if players are willing to lose that much money, then maybe the franchise tag has run its course and is no longer an effective way to avoid a long term contract. If that is the case, then when negotiations for the next CBA rolls around, the league is going to have to look seriously at whether or not this is even a valid option anymore. Although the franchise tag ensures that players wont sign somewhere else, it is no guarantee anymore they will play for the team that tags them. I don't know the answer but I know that this is going to generate a lot of questions in the coming years.

[#20=DA MAN!!]

I know we have another 2 months before the season but I'm praying that DT holds out and sits out a couple games, or at least the 1st one so that we wont have to worry about him in Denver

[oldcoot60]

Glad we don't have to worry about the franchise tag this year n hopefully the Ravens can lock up Tucker next summer as well we, really don't need to lose him.   I know due to the cap we usually have to lose some players. The Ravens usually can bounce back from most loses, but I don't think it's that easy to replace a kicker of Tucker's value that easily.  Go Ravens lets go get that AFC championship 'n then the Super Bowl. Go Ravens !!!

[Purple Dawg 96]

The squeelers use to win SBs with the lowest payroll back in the day and the Ravens can do this as well with their "BRILLIANT" drafting of young talented players!

[edreed2o]

I know we have another 2 months before the season but I'm praying that DT holds out and sits out a couple games, or at least the 1st one so that we wont have to worry about him in Denver

I hope he does play. I have total confidence in us.

[L.A.Ravens]

I hope D.Thomas plays week one. Want both teams healthy and full go, I say we win but whether we lose or win I want to see how good of a team we have not just on paper. Our D and O is a lot better then week one in 2013.

[January J]

I hope he does play. I have total confidence in us.

Same here. I want our best vs their best so when we crush them there's no excuses and everybody will know that we ain't playin around this season.

[L.A.Ravens]

These players not wanting to play on a franchise tag tells me they have no confidence in themselves and their body's to last the year.

[ellicottraven]

Ravens learned that no one on our team deserved to be placed on the tag this year. However next year is a whole new year what with Tucker, Yanda and or/ K.O not willing to sign this year...

[RayRocks]

I'd never wish injury on any player, but I don't understand the whole "I hope their team is at full strength."  Who cares what someone's excuse is?  If DT holds out it gives the Ravens a competitive advantage.  I don't think DT will hold out for the first game, but if he does I won't be upset one bit.

[January J]

I'd never wish injury on any player, but I don't understand the whole "I hope their team is at full strength." Who cares what someone's excuse is? If DT holds out it gives the Ravens a competitive advantage. I don't think DT will hold out for the first game, but if he does I won't be upset one bit.

I wouldn't be upset if he sat out- but knowing we beat them with their best gives us a better guage to determine how good we really are- and will also keep our secondary battle tested down the stretch.

[reed20fence]

These players not wanting to play on a franchise tag tells me they have no confidence in themselves and their body's to last the year.

The flip side is that I can see why it'd be a slap in the face for a player, especially those the caliber of Thomas and Bryant to find out they're simply being tagged to buy another year for the franchise to find their replacements for cheaper rates via the draft or free agency.

We don't know what's truly going on behind the scenes, but it's not unthinkable that Elway and Jerry Jones have no real intention of keeping these guys around long term and just need their services for a year while they fill their spot.

[#20=DA MAN!!]

I can almost bet that the broncos are trying to fully gauge DT value. cuz elway knows this is manning last season and if brock cant cut the mustard then it would be a waste to keep DT around for next year when he can build his team from scratch, becase most if not all of those DFA signins last year are FA after this season so they will have alot of rebuilding to do after this season. Maybe DT is a byproduct of having Peyton as his QB?? Then with Dallas, quite frankly, they dont trust Dez to invest a butt load of money in because with his temper he is one altercation away from suspension.

[stixfix69]

The tag, and long term deals are like the draft, it's a gamble.....Some players get tagged, and live up to the big contract they get from either the team they play for, or another team that has the cap space, and some get tagged, and stink it up, and end up with peanuts for the rest of their career....Long term deals are tough, we are paying big money for Pitta with his future in doubt, we got burned with the RR fiasco, and if J.Smith can't stay healthy that will be another lost gamble, but teams have to do it for certain players.......

[edreed2o]

I wouldn't be upset if he sat out- but knowing we beat them with their best gives us a better guage to determine how good we really are- and will also keep our secondary battle tested down the stretch.

This! Why wouldnt you want to face your opponents best? If we faced every team with one of their stars injured, how do you know how good we are? I dont want no excuses for this season. We have a better roster than 31 other teams in the NFL and I have total confidence in our team as a whole. People saying they hope DT is out don't have any pride in the ravens. I hope DT does play because I know he isnt gonna be doin much.

[edreed2o]

Ravens learned that no one on our team deserved to be placed on the tag this year. However next year is a whole new year what with Tucker, Yanda and or/ K.O not willing to sign this year...

Theres still time for us to sign them. I think one of them will get done before the regular season and thats probably Tucker..

[TheConquerorWorm]

Ravens learned that no one on our team deserved to be placed on the tag this year. However next year is a whole new year what with Tucker, Yanda and or/ K.O not willing to sign this year...

Because all O-linemen are grouped together, using the tag on Yanda or KO would mean paying them the avg salary of the top 5 LT - that's $13 million. No Guard, even Yanda, is worth that kind of money. The highest paid guard is Mankins at $8.5 million avg per.

[ellicottraven]

Because all O-linemen are grouped together, using the tag on Yanda or KO would mean paying them the avg salary of the top 5 LT - that's $13 million. No Guard, even Yanda, is worth that kind of money. The highest paid guard is Mankins at $8.5 million avg per.

I see. Intersting that all O-linemen are grouped together. So my question is this - has an offensive guard ever been tagged before?

[Halshayeji]

I'd never wish injury on any player, but I don't understand the whole "I hope their team is at full strength." Who cares what someone's excuse is? If DT holds out it gives the Ravens a competitive advantage. I don't think DT will hold out for the first game, but if he does I won't be upset one bit.

I actually crave beating you at your best! It actually gives me a kick and It doesn't feel as sweet when opponents are missing key players. Seriously, I would love nothing more than to walk into mile high. Put Peyton on his back a few times. And watch j.smith put a number on DT like he normally does on a weekly basis. Something like 4 catches for 38 yards.

Competitive advantage this. You chose the game, place, rules, and time. And il still kick your behind! Just my 2 cents

Edited July 15, 2015 by Halshayeji

[stampedehero]

I see. Intersting that all O-linemen are grouped together. So my question is this - has an offensive guard ever been tagged before?

With Mankins at 8.5 a jump to 13 is not feasible unless an expensive QB is trashed because of his O line guards and financial disaster is unfolded due to a QBs season ending injury. That is when the pandora box will open.  

[RavenManiac#7]

We all know that Ozzie has a no nonsense reputation for simply Refusing to over-pay for Anyone. We, also, all know that Justin Tucker is a fan favorite and one of, if not the, best kicker in the NFL. And, we all know that he is signed for this upcoming season. So, the question is would the Ravens use the franchise tag on him after this season if the team is unable to entice him to sign an extension this year. Of course, Everybody's preference would be the hoped for extension. But, bad feelings or not, Tuck just Cannot be allowed to leave. Even at the tag's price, Tuck would be a bargain, so I think if it would, unfortunately, come to that I Do thing Ozzie would tag him. Let's just all hope BIG TIME that it doesn't come to that. I think the hoped for extension situations with Tuck and our two starting guards are the biggest questions we have but, of course, while the extensions could happen right up until the deadline, those questions are really questions for next year, not this one. Still, though, I'd be much more comfortable if Ozzie could make them happen sooner rather than later.

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

with 8 mill in cap space I'm wondering who they would sign with it??