The Indianapolis Colts would like to keep Vontae Davis, but aren't planning to play tag with the cornerback.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Colts want to strike a deal with Davis, but won't use the franchise tag if they don't get a deal done today, according to a source informed of the team's thinking.
General manager Ryan Grigson later confirmed the team won't use the franchise tag on Davis.
The deadline for tagging players is Monday at 4 p.m. ET.
Davis is the Colts' most physical corner, and at just 25 years old, he's entering the prime of his career.
Davis is ranked No. 15 overall on Around The League's top 101 free-agent list. However, he is the fourth-rated free-agent cornerback, behind Alterraun Verner, Aqib Talib and Brent Grimes. The depth at the position in free agency should give the Colts some leverage in working out a deal before Davis hits the open market.
The tag for cornerbacks sits at $11.834 million, which is high -- even for a player of Davis' caliber and importance in Indy's defense.
The Colts have plenty of salary cap space and would like to retain him -- just not at the franchise tag number.
The latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" works through our top 101 free agents and responds to some heat from Donte Whitner.
