The Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills are expected to place their respective franchise tags on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, and offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. The Bears have formally announced the designation, while the Jets and Bills are expected to follow suit before the 1 p.m. PT deadline on Tuesday. This follows the Baltimore Ravens placing their tag on kicker Justin Tucker.
Jeffery getting the tag is not at all surprising. He is the team's best pass catcher, and although he was injured last season, he is a necessary weapon for Jay Cutler. With the franchise tag, a team would have to give up a pair of first round picks, along with a sizable contract. I certainly don't see the San Francisco 49ers making a run at him with that kind of price tag, and I don't imagine many teams will jump on that. The wide receiver tender will be $14,599,000.
One of the notable remaining questions is whether or not Washington will designate Kirk Cousins as their franchise player. The quarterback tag is $19,953,000. Cousins is coming off a solid 2015 season, but the two sides are struggling to come to terms on a deal. The tag sets a big floor if Cousins has another solid year, but if he puts together a good year in 2016, it would potentially prove worth it.
Another big question is what will happen in Denver. The Broncos have been talking with Von Miller about an extension, but a deal has not been reached. If nothing gets done on Monday or Tuesday, Denver has to use the tag on him. If that's the case, what then happens with Brock Osweiler? There's no doubt they use the tag on Miller over Osweiler, but this will likely come down to the wire for Denver.
And no, the 49ers will not be using the franchise tag on Ian Williams.