Jets put franchise tag on Harris
Arian Foster of the Houston Texans is tackled by David Harris of the New York Jets. (Nov. 21, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
The Jets officially placed their franchise tag on linebacker David Harris Tuesday, a move that had been expected since Super Bowl Sunday.
Harris, the only member of the Jets' "Core Four" who has yet to sign a new, long-term deal, is in line for a one-year salary of about $10 million - the average of the NFL's five highest-paid linebackers in 2010.
Cornerback Darrelle Revis, tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold signed new contracts before last season's opener.
It's the first time the Jets have used the franchise tag since 2006, when they placed it on defensive end John Abraham. A month later, they sent him to the Falcons for a first-round pick, which they used to draft Mangold.
Still, it's unclear exactly what the franchise designation will mean if, as expected, there is no new collective-bargaining agreement starting March 4. At the Super Bowl, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said the tags are worthless, and the union may end up going to court to challenge their legitimacy.
The Jets still can work out a long-term contract with Harris, although it will become a complex situation without a new CBA.
Harris, 27, made three sacks and a team-high 99 combined tackles last season, his fourth in the league. General manager Mike Tannenbaum has made it clear that locking him up for years to come is a top priority.
Peyton, Vick franchised
Two top quarterbacks, the Colts' Peyton Manning and the Eagles' Michael Vick, also received the franchise tag.
Colts owner Jim Irsay announced the decision on Manning on Twitter, saying they will "continue to negotiate a long- term deal." The Colts did the same thing in 2004 before eventually agreeing to a seven-year, $98-million contract and removing the tag.
If Manning plays under the tag, he'll be paid $23 million next season and the Colts will have exclusive negotiating rights with the four-time MVP.
Vick led the Eagles to a 10-6 record and the NFC East title. Despite missing three games with an injury, he set career highs in yards passing (3,018), touchdown passes (21), touchdowns (nine), completion percentage (.626) and passer rating (100.2). He also was voted AP Comeback Player of the Year.
In other moves, the Ravens designated defensive tackle Haloti Ngata as their franchise player, and the Chargers placed the non-exclusive tag on wide receiver Vincent Jackson. - AP
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