Discussing the use of the franchise tag

by StereoPete on Feb 21, 2012 12:30 PM PST

In the pre-offseason doldrums, we're really left to scratch our heads, pontificate, prognosticate, and fume over the woulda/coulda/shoulda of last season. The good news is that we're not far from the free agency signing period, followed closely by the NFL Draft.

Getting back to the prognostication, there have been many discussions/posts/arguments about the use of the Franchise Tag. I've been wanting to put a post together about this but being unemployed and spending nearly 100% of my time finding a job has really put a crimp on the amount of time I get to pontificate...prognosticate....ok...you get it.

Jason LaCanfora has put together a great breakdown of the franchise tag landscape as it currently stands. Follow me after the jump for a summary and some quotes if you're too busy to read the article over on the NFL site...

Here's the big discussion that's been taking place on NN: a) will we need to tag anyone and b) (since the answer is, generally, yes) will it be Dashon Goldson or Carlos Rogers?

Here's what LaCanfora has to say:

49ers: A year ago, defensive backs Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson were value free agents, guys the 49ers were able to snap up relatively late and pretty cheaply. Both played a strong role in making the defense elite as the team went 13-3. The safety tag is significantly cheaper than the corner tag, however, at $6.2 million, so I suspect the 49ers go that route and work on keeping Rogers on a longer term coming off his Pro Bowl season.

I'm not one to argue with this assessment. Add to that the theme throughout LaCanfora's article that "the corner[back] free agent market is weak" and you get a lot of logical support for his case.

Personally, I think he's got it right but would be interested to see what the rest of you know-it-alls think?

Poll

Who gets the 49ers franchise tag this offseason?

Dashon Goldson

29 votes

Carlos Rogers

11 votes

Someone else (explain in comments)

1 votes

41 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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Comments

cornerback market

Add to that the theme throughout LaCanfora’s article that “the corner[back] free agent market is weak” and you get a lot of logical support for his case.

I think he is saying it is a thin free agent market, which I read as meaning there is short supply of quality corners, which means they will be more expensive. I base this on his comment from his take on the Falcons “Corners are in short supply … The corner market is also thin, so Grimes would be a prized asset.”

If that’s the case, the argument would in fact be to franchise Rogers because it could turn into a bidding war otherwise.

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by David Fucillo on Feb 21, 2012 3:01 PM PST reply actions

Franchise tag means the player gets paid like he's one of the top 5 at his position

I see Rogers as a top 5 CB, but he’ll be 31 this july. Use the franchise tag and you won’t lose much money since you’ll be paying him what he’s worth, you won’t be on the hook if his production drops and next year he’ll be a 32 year old CB, much lower price on long term deal.

I see Goldson as a Top 10 FS, which means I don’t think he deserves top 5 money. He’s 28, if he won’t sign a 5 year deal might as well see if you can pick up someone in the FA for cheaper.

by reedkrase on Feb 21, 2012 4:12 PM PST reply actions

Which FA?

This is almost as bad a free safety FA class as it is a draft class. That’s the issue with Goldson. It’s not that anyone is saying he’s worth what he’s asking or even worth the franchise number — it’s that there aren’t any good options to replace him.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Feb 22, 2012 6:11 AM PST up reply actions

Honestly, I hadn't heard anything about Whitner since the 2006 draft

He was off my radar as possible replacement strong safeties, but the 49ers found him and he’s a great fit. Just have confidence that the FO has been closely following the FAs and know which FAs have potential, just like in the draft.

But your’e right, I don’t have a specific replacement for Goldson in mind.

by reedkrase on Feb 22, 2012 8:22 AM PST up reply actions