Franchise Tag Used on Three Players

Asante Samuel of the Patriots, Lance Briggs of the Bears, and Justin Smith of the Bengals had franchise tags applied to them as the start of free agency looms. These players were all vital to each of the respective teams. Samuel and Briggs excel in schemes ideally favoring their skills and attributes. Justin Smith excels in a locker room culture favoring arrests, trashy arm tattoos, and inept front office decisions.