Will the Cleveland Browns opt to use the franchise tag when the window opens around the NFL?
Starting at 4 p.m. today, the Cleveland Browns will have the option to officially place a franchise or transition tag on a player if they choose to. Should one expect the Browns to use the franchise tag? The short answer is no. There is no reason for the Browns to go this route. One option […]
Starting at 4 p.m. today, the Cleveland Browns will have the option to officially place a franchise or transition tag on a player if they choose to.
Should one expect the Browns to use the franchise tag? The short answer is no. There is no reason for the Browns to go this route.
One option exists for the Browns to use the tag, while the most likely option that could have received it was already signed.
Grant Delpit could have been a player that Cleveland chose to place a tag on, but they were able to get an extension done with him during the season.
The only player that remains a possibility would be DE Za’Darius Smith, but one should not expect that to happen either. According to Over The Cap, using a franchise tag on a defensive end would have a projected cost of $20.2 million. While Smith is still a very good player, he is not worth that kind of cash.
According to our cap experts here at A to Z Sports, the expectation is that Smith will receive a two-year deal worth $20 million. Smith forced 5.5 sacks and had a forced fumble in 2023. While the sack numbers aren’t there my high, he was effective putting pressure on the passer.
At 31 years old, it makes no sense for the Browns to use the tag on Smith. Cleveland hasn’t often been a team to use the tag and that should be the case this season.
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