NFL rumors: Rams will not use franchise tag

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A detailed view of a St. Louis Rams helmet during warm ups before the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

The window for NFL teams to use the franchise tag opened last week, but we have still yet to see anyone receive the tender throughout the first week. While that will change before the start of free agency, do not expect to see the St. Louis Rams using the tag on any of their players.

According to Rams general manager Les Snead, the team will try to work out deals with their own free agents the old fashioned way. That includes offensive lineman Rodger Saffold.

“We will try to get Saffold done, just through natural, regular negotiations,” Snead said, via Pro Football Talk.

Snead did say that re-signing Saffold is a priority for the Rams, but the team views him as a guard and the franchise tag number would force the team to tie up too much money in Saffold’s deal. By waiting things out, they can still sign a key member of their line while allowing the move to make more financial sense.

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