Defensive end Michael Johnson was the lucky recipient of the Cincinnati Bengals franchise tag. The dead line for teams to sign franchised players to a multi-year deal is July 15th, a date that is fast approaching.
That will most likely mean Johnson won’t get the long term deal he was seeking.
“There is no ill will on either side, it’s a business,” Johnson said, on Sirius XM NFL Radio. “I’ve known from day one they have to make these moves much like players have to do the same thing. Whatever happens, happens. I feel confident I can play in this league for a long time. Whether that’s Cincinnati or wherever, it is what it is.”
That’s a positive attitude compared to his NFL colleagues. Johnson will make $11.175 million after signing his franchise tag if a deal isn’t worked out before the dead line. Not a bad single season pay day, but it lacks the long term stability an athlete playing a sport with a high injury risk would want. He will be a free agent again next offseason as well.