NFL game of tag begins tomorrow

by Levi Damien on Feb 19, 2012 6:00 AM PST

Come Monday, the NFL will begin its giant game of tag. That is when the franchise tag period begins. There is expected to be a good amount of franchise tags handed out this season. According to Sporting News, we can expect a record number of free agents slapped with the franchise tag. They come to this theory due to the large number of franchise tags last season combined with nearly every position carrying a lower tag number than last season.

The franchise tagging period lasts approximately two weeks from February 20 to March 5. There are a lot of high-profile players coming up as free agents that teams will exercise their right to slap with the franchise tag to avoid the possibility of losing them as an unrestricted free agent.

The Raiders have several free agents. Chief among them are safety Tyvon Branch and running back Michael Bush. The team will try to sign them both long term but if neither takes a deal, one of them could get the tag.

Poll

Who should get the franchise tag in Oakland?

Tyvon Branch

281 votes

Michael Bush

158 votes

Other

27 votes

No one

134 votes

600 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

You Spend That Tag You Pay That Price...Why Escalate Either Of Their Salaries???

I would hold off until the last day while trying to get them to sign a decent long term deal…If neither will sign than maybe it’s best to look elsewhere before taking that high priced Routt (Pun)….

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Feb 19, 2012 6:09 AM PST reply actions

As good as both Tyvon & Mi-Bush are, the tag is too expensive for either. Waiting and seeing what presents in a fortnight

also appeals to me … we could end up with an excellent DL, LB or CB and still manage to keep Brtanch & Bush (who are die-hard Raiders).

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"George Blanda ... I really believe he is the greatest clutch player in the history of this game." Al Davis
"Let no thing possess you that you do not dictate." Raymond St. Martin

by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 19, 2012 7:44 AM PST up reply actions

Even if they are die-hard Raiders

That doesnt mean they will be happy with less than they are worth, Bush, I dont really think he is worth that much, but a lot of peopel think so…Tyvon, he is worth around 5-6 mill a year, he is a great player that is too young to stop improving, I hope we tag Branch and work out a long term deal.

by RaiderPride20 on Feb 19, 2012 11:33 AM PST up reply actions

the tag carries a lower ceiling price for certain positions than last year, as indicated in the post though

due to the new CBA and cap restrictions.

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson
"In football, I root for the Oakland Raiders because they hire castoffs, outlaws, malcontents, and fuck -ups, they have lots of penalties, fights, and paybacks, and because Al Davis told the rest of the pig NFL owners to go get fucked. Someday, the Raiders will be strong again, and they will dip the ball in shit and shove it down the throats of the wholesome, white, heartland teams that pray together and don't deliver late hits." - George Carlin.

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by brhynno on Feb 19, 2012 8:11 PM PST up reply actions

I would like to see T. Branch locked up

with a good contract for both sides. No more Al contracts making him the highest safety ever but one that allows us to compete and hold on to a top 12 safety. PFF rapes his score for lack of pass rush but that is something the Raiders did with Gio and Mitchell more.

"-i never said half the things i said." --Yogi Berra

by Ovale Fan on Feb 19, 2012 7:33 AM PST reply actions

let branch go

and keep bush, we can’t replace a guy like bush, we can replace branch easily.

RAIDER NATION
"There only can be one nation, The Raider Nation"

by AlwaysWinBaby on Feb 20, 2012 1:46 PM PST reply actions

Maybe I'm crazy...

but can’t we just sign these guys to fair contracts and avoid paying the exorbitant franchised tags for one year of service.

The franchise tag eats up a lot of money that could be used to sign other players of need and we need plenty!… starting with linebackers that are actually linebackers.

"Now I know what your thinking, did he fire six shots or only five. Ive forgotten myself in all this excitement, but being that this is the 44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and could blow your head clean off, you have to ask your question. Do I feel lucky? Well do ya punk!"
Dirty Harry Callahan

by rambis64 on Feb 22, 2012 4:16 PM PST reply actions