The franchise tag ended up working out for some players. DeMarcus Lawrence signed a huge deal. Dee Ford was traded to the Niners and got an extension. Frank Clark has a new home in Kansas City and had a nice little payday. For other players, well, it hasn’t worked out so well. The following players are still looking for a long-term deal.
Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans
Yeah, so this deal probably isn’t happening. If Clowney was on the open market he would’ve gotten paid. Instead, he’s going to be stuck on the tag for a year and that’s not great for a player with his injury history.
Clowney can play off the line or on it. He can shift to the interior in pass rushing situations. He’s versatile. He’s still young. He’s not going anywhere.
Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons
Jarrett still could sign a long-term deal with the Falcons but the Falcons don’t exactly have the cap room to sign him to the contract he deserves. Jarrett burst onto the scene during the Super Bowl against the Patriots, and his play has been consistently strong since then.
Teams are looking for a player who can apply pressure up the middle, and Jarrett definitely provides that skillset. He won’t sign a long-term deal this year but could hit the market next year.
Robbie Gould, San Francisco 49ers
Gould actually wants out of San Francisco, but it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. What team is going to trade for a kicker? Fine, the Chicago Bears after their dumpster fire of a kicking competition plays out, but other than the Bears, it doesn’t look like any other team would be willing to part with picks for an aging kicker.
