Today is the first day where teams can place the franchise tag or a transition tag on players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. The franchise tag is a one-year tender that pays the player the average of the top five salaries of his respective position (or a 20 percent raise if his 2009 salary is greater than the average of the top five salaries).
There are two levels of the franchise tag - the exclusive and non-exclusive. The difference is that with the exclusive franchise tag, a player does not have the ability to negotiate with other teams. With the non-exclusive franchise tag, a player can still negotiate with other teams. If another team signs the player and the original team decides not to match the offer, the original team receives a pair of first-round draft picks as compensation.
With a transition tag, a player receives a one-year tender worth the average of the top 10 salaries (or a 20 percent raise if his 2009 salary is greater than the average of the top 10 salaries) at his respective position. The player can negotiate with other teams and the original team has the right to match any offer, but if the team chooses not to match it will not receive any compensation.
According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team can use an additional transition tag this year to help secure a player's services. In previous years, a team could only use a franchise tag or a transition tag.
The Eagles used the "non-exclusive" franchise tag on tight end L.J. Smith in 2008. The Eagles had placed the franchise tag on two other players during Andy Reid's era as head coach, but both times it was later removed. Jeremiah Trotter received the franchise tag in 2002 and after it was removed; he signed with the Washington Redskins. Defensive tackle Corey Simon received the franchise tag in 2005, but after it was removed he signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Here's a look at the players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. This list will not include players who will not be unrestricted free agents if the 2010 season is uncapped. Free agency begins on March 5: safety Sean Jones, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, defensive end Jason Babin and linebacker Tracy White.
Now, here's a look at the reported amounts for a franchise tag or transition tag in 2010:
| 2010 Franchise/Transition Tag Numbers | ||
| Position | Franchise Tag | Transition Tag |
| QB | $16.405 million | $14.546 million |
| DE | $12.398 million | $10.193 million |
| OL | $10.731 million | $9.142 million |
| LB | $9.68 million | $8.373 million |
| CB | $9.566 million | $8.056 million |
| WR | $9.521 million | $8.651 million |
| RB | $8.156 million | $7.151 million |
| DT | $7.003 million | $6.353 million |
| S | $6.455 million | $6.011 million |
| TE | $5.908 million | $5.248 million |
| K/P | $2.814 million | $2.629 million |
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:42 a.m., February 11
