The start of the NFL new league year and the free agency period is rapidly approaching, set to begin at 4:00 p.m. ET – 1 p.m. PT – on Wednesday, March 13, but there are a couple of important dates to note ahead of time.
Tuesday, February 19 marks the first day teams can designate (tag) franchise or transition players, with the deadline set for prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 5.
Tags are an effective means to keep a would-be unrestricted free agent on the squad for one year without having to enter into a long-term deal.
Seahawks’ defensive end Frank Clark, following a career season, is a viable tag option for Seattle to ensure he remains in the Emerald City through 2019.
While the tag doesn’t offer future security to Clark or any other designated player, he and the team do have until July 15 to sign a new multi-year contract or agree to an extension.
If the two sides are unable to reach a deal by that date, Clark would be left with a one-year contract with the Seahawks which could not be extended until after the last 2019 regular season game.
