Fran-chize

Stevie Francis was the original "franchise" but that nickname has since been diluted. In the wake of talks between NFLPA and the Commissioner over a new CBA, there is no certainty of what to expect next season. Will there be a 50/50 split between owners and the NFL? Will there even be such thing as a "guaranteed" contract? Will franchise tags still be used?
While the first of two questions are still a complete unknown, we now at least know that general managers are not keeping back from applying the franchise tag.
Thus far into what may be a nonexistent season, the following players have been given the franchise tag:
1. Logan Mankins, G, Patriots
2. Mike Vick, QB, Eagles
3. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
4. LaMar Woodley, LB, Steelers
5. N'gata, NT, Ravens
6. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers
7. David Harris, LB, Jets - dumb move

What does this mean? Well, on a normal year, this would mean that the player given the franchise tag (only one player, per team, per year) would earn the average of the top five salaries in that given position. What does it mean this season? Absolutely nothing. The NFLPA, the side less likely to budge during negotiations, does not want a franchise tag possibility. They are in favor of longer, more lucrative and guaranteed contracts.

The aforementioned franchise tag is referred to as the "exclusive" franchise tag. The other option, the "non-exclusive" franchise tag. A non-exclusive franchise player may negotiate with other NFL teams, but if he signs an offer sheet from another team, the original team has a right to match the terms of that offer, or if it does not match the offer and thus loses the player, is entitled to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

kickin' knowledge, yo!