TAG YOUR IT........
The big money, the fame, and the recoginition are the reasons why we believe the NFL players play the game. When we as fans, blue collar, middle class ,even lower class people hear a player just got franchised tag we automaically feel that that player should be happy. The players however just like us are looking for stability because they know at any moment their careers could be over. The franchise tag was introduced to give big time players a large amount of salary within one year, which would help the players and teams out during long contract talks but as we come to find out things arent that easy in the NFL. The term franchise player was something once considered a compliment or a honor, like making the Dean's List in school. However it quickly became a loop hole by owners to expliot players, without giving them a long term deal. I use the word exploit loosely because the players getting tagged recieve the average of the top five highest salaries for their position.
Each year we see players go into their last year of a rookie deal or old contract and play at a high level to get that long term deal, to only be franchise tagged. Each player reacts differently to this some stay positive while others hold out. Last season we saw some great moments and record broken by players, those same players believe its time to get a deal done that they deserve long term guaranteed money. However we are here to point out those really deserve to be invested in.
List of Guys Tagged:
Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell, defensive end
Atlanta Falcons: Brent Grimes, cornerback
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice, running back
Chicago Bears: Matt Forte, running back
Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Nugent, kicker
Cleveland Browns: Phil Dawson, kicker
Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Spencer, linebacker
Denver Broncos: Matt Prater, kicker
Detroit Lions: Cliff Avril, defensive end
Indianapolis Colts: Robert Mathis, defensive end
Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Scobee, kicker
Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver
New England Patriots: Wes Welker, wide receiver
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, quarterback
New York Giants: Steve Weatherford, punter
Oakland Raiders: Tyvon Branch, safety
Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson, wide receiver
San Francisco 49ers: Dashon Goldson, safety
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Connor Barth, kicker
Tennessee Titans: Michael Griffin, safety
Washington Redskins: Fred Davis, tight end
Dow is up/ Pay that Man/ Dow is down/ I will want my money back Question Marks?
Cliff Avril
Fred Davis
Michael Giffin
Dwayne Bowe
Robert Mathis
Tyvon Branch
Dashon Goldson
Matt Forte
Anthony Spencer
Drew Brees
Calais Campbell
Ray Rice
Brent Grimes
Wes Welker
The players that should be invested in for long term deals I believe are Cliff Avril, Dwayne Bowe, Goldson, Drew Brees, Ray Rice, and Wes Welker. Cliff Avril is a top ten defensive end in the league hes good against the run and a top notch pass rusher, hes young and plays with a great intensity. Dwyane Bowe lead the league in touchdowns two seasons a go a huge dynamic game changing reciever who has matured over the years. Dashon Goldson helps to make up one of the best safety tandems in the league a pure enforcer for that crippling San Fransico 49ers defense, and he's only getting better. Drew Brees broke the thirty year old record of Dan Marino and has been a offensive machine for the Saints "Show me the Money". Ray Rice is the baltimores offense no need to explain more. Wes Welker outside that third down catch in the Superbowl his hands are like glue, has atleast 100 catches four out of five years in New England, he might not be flashy but hes a top five reciever.
The players I wont put my bank on Fred Davis, Robert Mathis, Matt forte. All players have shown greatness but each have major concerns. Fred Davis has a drug problem and has already been suspended by the league. Robert Mathis is a great pass rusher but how many years can he still perform at a high level his age is my only concern, been underated for years. Matt Forte is a hard one not to invest in but after the knee troubles, his lack of redzone production and Mike Matrz leaving I'm becoming a non believer that the Bears should pay him. Bears signed Michael Bush this offseason is Matt Forte really that much better than him?.
Finally my question marks, are Michael Griffin, Tryvon Branch, Anthony Spencer, Calais Campbell Brent Grimes. These players made my list of question marks because I dont know if these guys are the real deal. Each player on this list have showed flashes of dominace and pro bowl play and other times look lost and a play or two from being benched. So to them I ask "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?"
The Offseason is moving fast and im sure a few of these players will hold out I just hope the teams dont invest in Enron, or let google walk out the door in the future. Also i didnt mention any kickers or punters cause well their kickers and punters but if you woud like information about them just write us and ill let you know.
by
Phillip "Stats" Rodney
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