Here's my latest article from the Washington Post.com. It looks at the LeBron James frenzy in comparison to free agency in the NFL.

How much media attention would be drawn to the NFL during February and March if Tom Brady really had an opportunity to negotiate with other teams as a free agent (instead of getting stuck with the franchise tag)?

However the NFL owners will never let the franchise tag go because they don't want to risk finding themselves in a situation where they might lose the face of their franchise. Also, it could lead to an overall increase in salaries as one owner overpays in the midst of a free agent frenzy. But I suspect the NFL as a whole would be better off if they truly gave every player a crack at free agency because it would increase publicity and force dysfunctional teams to improve so that their franchise players will want to stay of their own volition.