The Indianapolis Colts are unlikely to use the franchise tag again this offseason, but they will be keeping an eye on some of the top players around the league who might get tagged by their respective teams.
With the way the Colts have constructed their contracts over the past two offseasons since Chris Ballard took over as general manager, there hasn’t been a need to use the franchise tag.
However, other teams are likely to use it this offseason and with the opportunity to apply the tag beginning on Tuesday, the Colts will be keeping an eye on which players receive it.
There are a number of free agents the Colts will be keeping an eye on this offseason that could get the tag. Most of them are on the defensive side of the ball, which is the priority made clear by Ballard.
Among the candidates to receive the franchise tag include:
- Dallas Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence
- Houston Texans OLB Jadaveon Clowney
- Kansas City Chiefs OLB Dee Ford
- Seattle Seahawks DE Frank Clark
- New York Giants S Landon Collins
- Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell
- Atlanta Falcons DT Grady Jarrett
It remains to be seen how many players get the franchise tag this offseason. It could be all of the players above or just some of them. There are also some candidates not on the short list above that could receive the tag.
The last time the Colts used the franchise tag was to retain punter Pat McAfee in 2013.
The Colts likely won’t be using the franchise tag this offseason, but there are several free agent targets that will receive the one-year tender, which makes it something to watch beginning on Tuesday.
