NFL Franchise Tag Deadline: Miami Dolphins Expected to Tag Randy Starks

With this afternoon’s NFL Franchise Tag deadline looming, the final rumors are beginning to surface. In this morning’s NFL Franchise Tag Deadline preview, we discussed the possibility of the Miami Dolphins slapping the tag on Pro Bowl defensive lineman Randy Starks and that appears to be the move they are ready to make.

Sept. 16, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) during pre-game before a game against the Oakland Raiders at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sportsx /

The Dolphins are expected to tag Starks today, per CBS Sports. He is just one of the five key free agents the Dolphins risk losing this offseason.

In addition to Starks, Starks, cornerback Sean Smith, left tackle Jake Long, running back Reggie Bush and receiver Brian Hartline are ready to hit the open market. It is unlikely that Bush will return to Miami, but there is still a slim chance for Long. Smith’s future with the team is up in the air while Hartline appears to be talking an extension.

Starks doesn’t seem thrilled with the idea of receiving the franchise tag, but he prefers to stay with the Dolphins. If Starks had his wish, he would sign a long-term deal.

“I want to be a dolphin!!! Not just for one more year.” Starks wrote on Twitter. “I want to be here and finish here!”

If Starks doesn’t get his long-term deal and ends up being designated as the team’s franchise player, the one-year, $8.45 million value of the tag should be a solid consolation prize.

Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided.com leading up to the franchise tag deadline for the latest news and rumors.

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