The Jacksonville Jaguars have joined the list of teams using the franchise tag. The team announced it had applied the tag to TE Marcedes Lewis. The franchise tag number for tight ends in 2011 is expected to be over $7 million. The deadline to franchise tag players comes on Thursday.
Jacksonville Jaguars Place Franchise Tag On Marcedes Lewis
Lewis, a 2006 first round pick, had his best season to date in 2010 so the Jaguars want to keep him around. They’ll use the tag now to buy time on negotiations for a long-term deal. The two sides will have until March 3rd, the date the current labor deal expires, to work out a new contract. After that date, player signings will stop until a new agreement is in place.
Lewis caught 58 balls for 700 yards and and 10 touchdowns last year in a season that saw him earn his first Pro Bowl nod. According to reports, the two sides are talking on a long-term deal so it sounds like it will get done -- it’s just a matter of when.
The NFLPA has debated the validity of the franchise tag because there is no CBA in 2011 at the moment. The NFL, though, has told teams they can use them.
Check out Big Cat Country for more on the Jaguars.
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