Franchise Tagging

Oct 9, 2011; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Jarius Byrd (31) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

In less than a week, the franchise tag and transition tags are set to become available to all 32 teams.

Tagging a player is a way to go when a long term agreement cannot be agreed upon from both sides.

The Bills have not used a franchise tag since 2006 and Nate Clements.  There are, however, two players on the roster that could have it used on them.  But there is only one that can be chosen, so the Bills need to be wise and negotiable coming into next week. The players are Jarius Byrd and Andy Levitre, both players the Bills need on their teams next year.

Just for reference here are the 2013 Franchise Tag and Transition Tag tenders. All in Millions.

CB: Franchise: $10.668         Transition: $8.939
DE: Franchise: $10.984         Transition: $8.994
DT: Franchise: $8.306           Transition: $6.919
K/P: Franchise: $2.926         Transition: $2.654
LB: Franchise: $9.455           Transition: $8.216
OL: Franchise: $9.660           Transition: $8.560
QB: Franchise: $14.642         Transition: $12.845
RB: Franchise: $8.079           Transition: $6.851
S: Franchise: $6.798             Transition: $5.899
TE: Franchise: $5.962            Transition: $5.105
WR: Franchise: $10.357        Transition: $8.716

So if Buffalo was to put a tag on Byrd, it would cost them 10.668M or 8.939M for one year.  For Levitre it would be 9.660M or 8.560M.  I would hope they would be able to come to terms with both of these players rather than spend 10M against the cap but they will do what they think is right.