The franchise tag is always a favorite among NFL front offices to use around this time of year when they are usually unable to reach a deal with a player prior to free agency starts. Let’s take a look at the players that received the tag this year:

1: Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets, defensive end

Wilkerson racked up 12 sacks and 64 tackles last season.

2: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens, kicker

Tucker was 33-40 on field goals for the Ravens in 2015. He made 29 extra points, scoring a total of 128 points.

3: Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills, tackle

Glenn is a big piece for the Bills on an offensive line that needs help outside of him.

4: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears, wide receiver

Jeffery is the Bears number one wide receiver, so you basically knew they weren’t going to let him walk without any attempt at signing him. He had 54 catches for 807 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns last season.

5: Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers, cornerback

Norman broke onto the scene for the Panthers in 2015 with his stellar play at corner. He had 56 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2015.

6: Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins, defensive end

Vernon was a big part of Miami’s pass rush in 2015, so it’s only fair that they keep him in South Beach for at least 2016. He had 7.5 sacks and 61 tackles last season.

7: Von Miller, Denver Broncos, linebacker

The MVP of Super Bowl 50 will be in Denver for at least 2016, and likely more years to come after contract talks advance. Miller had 35 tackles, 11 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in 2015.

8: Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins, quarterback

Cousins also broke out onto the scene in 2015 for the Redskins, and this is very smart for the Redskins to not overpay Cousins based off of one year yet. The 27-year-old Cousins threw for 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns last year.

9: Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs, safety

Berry is working on a long-term deal to remain with the Chiefs for a long time. He played 95% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps in 2015, racking up 61 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions

10: Trumaine Johnson, Los Angeles Rams, cornerback

Johnson racked up 71 tackles and 7 interceptions in 2016.

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