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Franchise tag deadline moved back by NFL

By John McCarty

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NFL confirms it has moved back the deadline for teams to sign long-term deals with players on the franchise tag.

An offseason that has had it’s fill of intrigue has one major storyline left to play out before training camp. Organizations and players designated with the franchise tag have a deadline to agree to an extension, and if the two sides are unable to reach a deal, the designated player will play the 2017 season on their franchise tag number. Originally set for Saturday, July 15, the league has confirmed they have moved back the deadline to July 17.

As Kevin Patra reported on NFL.com, the move simply moves the date off a Saturday and to the ensuing Monday.

There are two names to keep an eye on at the deadline. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell and Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Bell’s importance to the offense is obvious and can’t be understated, especially after the team’s inability to mount any type of challenge in the AFC Championship Game following his injury.

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Cousins’ situation is unique. After playing the 2016 season on the franchise tag, Cousins and the Redskins appear poised to repeat that same situation, with the quarterback tagged again. Complicating matters further, the organization likely can’t afford to franchise Cousins a third time. Set to earn more then $23.9 million in 2017, Washington would owe Cousins 144 percent of his salary if tagged again in 2018.

Possibly complicating the conversation between Cousins and the organization is a new-look front office after Scot McGloughan was fired in April. What does the new man in charge, Doug Williams, believe the value of Cousins is?

Now that players get a couple extra days to get a deal done, it will be interesting to see if it actually happens. If no agreement can be reached by the pushed-back deadline, the players will play on the tag and hope to work out a deal after the season.

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