Franchise tag deadline looms for NFL stars
Wednesday 15 July 2015 17:18, UK
With the 9pm BST deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term contracts looming, we explain what it means and who this affects.
NFL teams are allowed to designate one player on their roster to sign a long-term deal before July 15. After the deadline, these franchise-tagged players can only sign a one-year deal with their team.
At the start of the 2015 NFL free agency in March, five players were handed franchise tags. Only New England Patriots' kicker Stephen Gostkowski has signed his franchise tender. The remaining four seem to be in a high-stakes standoff to see who flinches first. Here’s the latest:
Dez Bryant, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
The Pro Bowl receiver had the most productive season of his career in 2014. He led the NFL in most touchdown receptions after surpassing Terrell Owens’ franchise record of 15 touchdowns by one.
Bryant is looking for long-term security and is valuing his services in the $16 million range, a salary similar to that of Detroit Lions wide receiver, Calvin Johnson.
If the Cowboys and Bryant cannot reach a long-term agreement, Bryant has threatened to sit out regular-season games, which will cost him over $750,000 per game.
Bryant tweeted on Monday evening, “As much as I love football…on my beautiful babies.. I apologize #cowboynation but I will not be there if [there is] no deal #fact”
Demaryius Thomas, wide receiver, Denver Broncos
While Thomas has been less vocal in public about his contract negotiations, he has also valued himself in the price range set by Johnson.
The receiver has also threatened to skip training camp and pre-season should terms not be agreed.
Thomas has had three straight 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdown seasons.
Justin Houston, linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs
On the defensive side, Houston’s bid for a long-term deal looked most optimistic out of the franchise-tagged players. On deadline day, the Pro Bowl linebacker signed a 6-year, $101 million deal with $52.5 million guaranteed making it the richest linebacker deal in NFL history.
Houston has combined for 50 sacks with Tamba Hali over the two seasons, the most in the NFL.
Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end, New York Giants
It is almost certain Pierre-Paul and the Giants will not come to an agreement. The pass rusher had a $60 million long-term deal rescinded after a fireworks incident on July 4 forced him to have his right index finger amputated.
Pierre-Paul is unlikely to sign a franchise tender until he is healthy enough. JPP fractured his right thumb in the same incident, which has forced his recovery time as the primary concern surrounds his health.
