A majority of NFL teams plan on using the franchise tag on pending free agents, but the Chicago Bears announced last week that they will not. And some other teams have ruled it out internally.
The Atlanta Falcons, a league source said Tuesday, will not use the tag. Offensive linemen Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl are potential free agents, but the Falcons hope to retain their nucleus through longer-term deals.
The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints effectively have ruled out using the tag as well, according to league sources. The Seattle Seahawks also aren't seriously considering using the tag at this point, a league source said.
Six players had been tagged with the franchise designation as of Tuesday night. Others who will be tagged by the Feb. 24 deadline include linebackers LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Tamba Hali (Kansas City Chiefs), according to sources, and wide receiver Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings) could be.
The NFL Players Association is fighting the use of franchise tags, given the fact the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire March 3 and there is no guarantee the tags would be a part of the next labor deal.
