KC Chiefs News: Franchise Tag Targets

Today’s KC Chiefs news focused on the franchise tag cap hits as well as the players to which the Chiefs may try and apply a franchise tag.

Free Agency opens on March ninth, but the Chiefs have some decisions to make well before then. The deadline to apply franchise tags is today at four P.M. eastern time. If the Chiefs are unable to negotiate a long-term contract with one of their departing free agents, they’ll be forced to use their franchise tag to eliminate someone’s departure.

The Chiefs have 16 players who would be eligible for a franchise tag, but it really only makes sense for a few of the players. Franchising someone like Jason Avant for example, would see him increase his pay by nearly $14 million.

The most logical franchise tag target is Eric Berry. Not only does the tag prevent him from being swept away by another team, the franchise tag payout isn’t a substantial increase over his 2015 salary. It’s still more than two million dollars different, but in comparison to the other players to franchise, it would seem to be the cheapest option.

While applying a franchise tag to someone like Jaye Howard would increase his salary by nearly $13 million dollars, it may make sense to use the tag there. That would likely only occur if the team worked something out with Berry prior to the deadline later today. The reason that much of an increase makes sense for Howard is because it’s still cheaper than the average comparable player makes.

See what the rest of FanSided has to say about KC Chiefs news:

Kansas City Chiefs: Who Will Receive The Franchise Tag [Greg Florkowski: KC Kingdom]

What Combine Standouts Could End Up With The Chiefs [Lyle Graversen: Arrowhead Addict]

"Shepard had a great combine, running a 4.48 forty, putting up 20 bench press reps, and an impressive 41 inch vertical jump. He also looked very natural running routes during the drills. During NFL Network’s television broadcast Mike Mayock said that Shepard reminded him of Randall Cobb when he came out of college. Obviously, Cobb has had a very successful career in Green Bay playing in a version of the West Coast Offense. There have even been some comparisons to Tyler Lockett in terms of him being a smaller wideout with good hands that runs good routes."

Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith Trade Three Years Later [Leigh Oleszczak: KC Kingdom]

Jaye Howard Should Be Allowed To Walk [Andrew Dowdeswell: Arrowhead Addict]

See what the rest of the internet is saying about KC Chiefs news:

Can Eric Berry Get His Long-Term Deal Before The Chiefs Franchise Tag Deadline? [Joel Thorman: Arrowhead Pride]

Mike DeVito: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Free Agent DE [Tim Daniels: Bleacher Report]

It seems likely that the Chiefs will have to use the franchise tag on Eric Berry. While that means another player is likely to depart, it’s something that every team deals with from time to time.

Eric Berry is the leader of the defense and he’s an inspiration to boot. He’s not the type of guy anyone, players or fans alike, wants to see suit up for somebody else on Sundays.

More from KC Kingdom

The Chiefs will have to look to free agency and the draft to fill some of their holes on defense or on offense. While Jaye Howard is an appealing option to keep, the Chiefs may need to consider a cheaper alternative.

Defensive tackle appears to be one of the deeper positions in this years draft pool. If the Chiefs can find an adequate replacement among the players leaving college, it’s sure to free up some money to spend elsewhere.

Interior linemen are never the flashy pickups that people love to see, but if Sheldon Rankins is available in the first round, the Chiefs may need to go ahead and take him. KC Kingdom had him going in the second round of this mock draft, but his strong combine may see him taken before the Chiefs first pick.

Next: All Time Favorite Chiefs

What do you think KC Chiefs’ fans? Who will the Chiefs use their franchise tag on? Will they be able to work something out with Berry before the deadline this afternoon? Let me know your thoughts in the comments’ section below.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs