Jaguars can now consider franchise tag on players

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Monday is the first day that the Jacksonville Jaguars can use the franchise tag on unrestricted free agents.

The process is a way for teams to buy another year of a players' services while they consider signing them to a long-term deal.

The player who is "franchised" can be paid an average of the top 5 players at that position or get a 120-percent pay raise over the previous year.

The Jaguars have 13 players who fall into that category. Leading candidates to be franchised are Derek Cox, Terrance Knighton, and Daryl Smith. The risk is the promise of a big payday for one season versus losing the player in the free agent market.

Coach Gus Bradley has been evaluating the Jaguars roster since the day he was hired. Bradley and General Manager Dave Caldwell are coming up with a plan.

"Dave and I are talking some about certain guys at certain positions. We have had some conversations about that but I think we will see some of the other things that are happening," said Coach Bradley.

The Jaguars used the tag on both Marcedes Lewis and Josh Scobee the past two season before signing them to long term deals. The period ends March 4.