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NFL franchise tag players: Who gets signed?

By Matt Verderame

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates with teammates after kicking field goal against the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates with teammates after kicking field goal against the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Tucker

We have seen kickers get put on the franchise tag in the past, and every time, the situation ends up with the little guy staying put.

There is no reason to think we won’t have that situation play out once more, with the Baltimore Ravens understanding how valuable Tucker has been. Since coming into the league as a rookie in 2012, Tucker has been both accurate, strong-legged and clutch. Tucker has been one of the most accurate kicker sin NFL history, connecting on 87.8 percent of his field goal attempts.

Also, Tucker has been able to hit form long distances. Tucker has missed just one kick in his entire career from between 30-39 yards, while connecting on 34-of-39 from 40-49 yards. From 50 yards and beyond, the diminutive 26-year-old has hit on 18-of-30 tries.

On the franchise tag, Tucker is slated to make $4.572 million in 2016 before becoming an unrestricted free agent. It would be stunning if the Ravens let him out of their clutches after such a successful start to his career. Look for Tucker to be the highest-paid kicker in football.

Verdict: Signs a six-year deal worth $25 million with $8 million guaranteed

Next: Alshon Jeffery

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