Sky Sports assess the futures of Von Miller, Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco and co
Thursday 3 March 2016 13:43, UK
With the deadline for franchise tags passed, there were no big surprises as teams locked up their prize talent.
Free agency is only a week away, and it seems like a good time to take stock of those who are sticking around and others that might test their value on the open market.
Tom Julian has assessed what's happened...
Tagged
Von Miller (LB, Denver Broncos)
This seemed like a no-brainer for Denver. The Super Bowl MVP was the heart of one of the most ferocious defences in the league last year, particularly throughout their playoff run.
However with limited cap space, and a host of other talent approaching free agency, the Broncos may struggle to keep that powerhouse defense together.
Mo Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets)
New York's premier defensive talent is staying put... for now. Although the Jets have used the franchise tag on Wilkerson, they might still be looking for a trade partner.
The Jets are short on cap space and keeping the tagged Wilkerson will cost them almost $16 million. However, he is only 26 and one of the best defensive players in the game. With the Jets' roster in a relatively strong position for a playoff push, it may be worth keeping the Pro Bowler around.
Josh Norman (CB, Carolina Panthers)
The cornerback was influential in the Panthers' road to Super Bowl 50, and the franchise were keen to keep him as part of their plans for the upcoming season, using the non-exclusive tag.
Carolina will look to sign Norman to a long-term deal in Charlotte, but in the meantime if another team wants to sign the 28-year old, they will have to give up two first round picks as compensation.
Kirk Cousins (QB, Washington Redskins)
The Redskins have ensured their starting quarterback won't hit free agency next week by using the non-exclusive franchise tag. It allows the organisation to take another season with Cousins and work out whether he is their long-term quarterback.
For his part, Cousins will be paid like a superstar, collecting $20 million on a one-year contract - a mere 2900 percent increase on last year's $660,000 deal.
Other tagged players: Alshon Jeffery (WR, Chicago Bears), Justin Tucker (K, Baltimore Ravens), Cordy Glenn (T, Buffalo Bills), Olivier Vernon (DE, Miami Dolphins), Eric Berry (S, Kansas City Chiefs), Trumaine Johnson (CB, LA Rams).
The best of the rest
There is still a breadth of talent not yet committed to one franchise or another. Some players, like Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, will likely get signed before free agency starts next week. Others will almost certainly get the chance to speak to other teams.
Malik Jackson (DT, Denver Broncos)
Jackson had about as perfect a year as any player could hope for coming into free agency. With 34 tackles, 5.5 sacks and a defensive touchdown in Super Bowl 50, the defensive end is in a very strong position to negotiate a monster deal.
Expect the Chicago Bears, where Jackson's former coach John Fox now operates, and the Oakland Raiders to compete for Jackson's signature.
Matt Forte (RB, Chicago Bears)
The Bears have parted company with their veteran running back, eight years after drafting him. In that time, Forte rushed for over 8,000 yards, the second highest total in franchise history.
In today's free agency market, running backs do not command such a powerful salary, however there are opportunities for Forte to market his experience. Look no further than the New England Patriots, who may consider the 30-year-old a perfect pairing with Dion Lewis.
Alex Mack (C, Cleveland Browns)
The highly-rated centre has voided the last three years of his contract with the Browns, foregoing the $8 million-per-year guaranteed money. He will look to become the highest paid centre in the game, and the possibility of breaking the $10 million-per-year mark, the first time in his position's history, is conceivable.
The Jaguars, who almost signed Mack two years ago, are likely to be in the hunt again. With a wealth of cap space and a leaky defense, it could be a perfect partnership.
Kelechi Osemele (G, Baltimore Ravens)
Osemele is considered one of the best guards in the NFL and at 26, his stock is still rising. The Ravens are in a cap bind and with no way out except to let players test their value, Osemele will look to get the contract he believes he deserved.
The New York Giants may be the ones willing to meet his demands. With a shortage of talent at right guard and a mountain of cap space, they could go all out for Osemele. The Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns will also be watching closely, as they both look to improve on the defensive side of the ball.
Other free agents of interest: Doug Martin (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, New York Giants), Danny Trevathan (LB, Denver Broncos)
In other news
Sam Bradford has signed an extension with the Philadelphia Eagles. The quarterback is the 'perfect fit' for new Head Coach Doug Pederson, and will sign a two-year deal worth $36 million ($26 million guaranteed).
Joe Flacco has signed a new three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens which reportedly included a $40 million bonus, the highest-ever in the NFL. Flacco's deal will give the franchise a little breathing space in the cap department, with Flacco's previous contract counting for almost $29 million.
Jacksonville Jaguars back-up passer Chad Henne has scored a bumper pay-rise without taking to the field. The veteran QB, who didn't play a snap last year, has signed a two-year contract extension worth $8 million. Not bad if you can get it.
