Packers Place Franchise Tag on Ryan Pickett

by Brandon on Feb 24, 2010 10:48 PM CST in Green Bay Packers News

I wrote yesterday that it made sense to place the franchise tag on NT Ryan Pickett, and today the Green Bay Packers made the obvious move official. Tom Silverstein wrote at JSOnline.com that this "may cause trouble" but several other NFL teams are going through the same thing. Not all of the defensive tackles who have received the franchise tag are going to sign long-term contracts, but it does appear that Patriots NT Vince Wilfork will sign first and set the market price. $7 million per season on a long-term contract is too much for Pickett, but as long as this works in their budget for 2010, there is no long-term risk with this move. I've been expecting it for the past couple weeks, if they tagged DT Corey Williams two years ago, why not tag Pickett?

It does seem like all the franchise tag moves involve defensive tackles and field goal kickers. Who expected that?

UPDATE: It seems like that for a reason. Here's the complete list of franchise and transition tags so far, and it's 5 defensive tackles and 2 kickers. Richard Seymour is listed as a DE, but at 310 lbs. he's a tackle on any 4-3 team.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Predictable and smart move...

with all the DTs getting franchised, suddenly Pickett is one of the best available which would suddenly drive up his value if he hit the FA market. This is a no brainer to protect a guy we NEED to keep our rotation fresh. Having him and Raji rotating (with Raji playing some DE as well) this sets us up to have a very strong line in 2010…well when Jolly is able to play.

by TrevorR on Feb 25, 2010 8:22 AM CST reply actions

pickett

good move but a long term deal probably ain’t going to happen.

casey hampton just signed a 3 year deal worth 21 million with 11mil. gauranteed. well, hampton, imo is the best nt in the league, so pickett isn’t going to get the same deal, but if he does good for him.

by hermitcrab on Feb 25, 2010 9:34 AM CST reply actions

pickett

i’d sign him for 3 years 15 million and 7 mill. guarnteed. that would be fair imo.

by hermitcrab on Feb 25, 2010 9:35 AM CST reply actions

I’d be game with that deal. I think he’d be worth it too…

by TrevorR on Feb 25, 2010 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

I agree, that's a good deal for him

I’m just hoping the CJ Hampton’s deal of 3 years for $21 Million in Pittsburgh isn’t used against us.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Feb 26, 2010 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

They’ll try but he’s no Casey Hampton…and he knows it! I think it might play to our favor…that sets the bar for one of the best in the league. He’s in the next rung down.

by TrevorR on Feb 27, 2010 1:04 AM CST up reply actions