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5 Biggest Surprises From 2015 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline Day

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 Biggest Surprises From 2015 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline Day

2015 NFL Franchise Tag
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The 2015 NFL franchise tag deadline saw a decent amount of excitement with big names making headlines. Still, there is plenty that caught fans off guard. Here are the five biggest surprises from the franchise tag deadline day.

5. Detroit Lions Will Let Ndamukong Suh Test Free Agency

Detroit Lions Will Let Ndamukong Suh Test Free Agency
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5. Detroit Lions Will Let Ndamukong Suh Test Free Agency

Detroit Lions Will Let Ndamukong Suh Test Free Agency
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The reason why the Detroit Lions not using the franchise tag on Ndamukong Suh makes the list of surprises is because there was a decent amount of people who believed the organization should have ensured the defensive tackle would remain with the team in 2015. With that said, I’m not surprised at all, especially since Detroit would have had to pay $26.87 million to keep him.

4. Rarely Seen Transition Tag Gets Used

Rarely Seen Transition Tag Gets Used
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4. Rarely Seen Transition Tag Gets Used

Rarely Seen Transition Tag Gets Used
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The Miami Dolphins used the transition tag on tight end Charles Clay. Even though it was the second straight year a team used the transition tag, historically it is rarely seen. The Dolphins had no choice in the matter with numerous teams appearing eager to sign him. It has been reported that Clay will make $7.071 in the upcoming season once the transition tender is signed.

3. Denver Broncos Can’t Get Deal Done With Demaryius Thomas

Denver Broncos Can’t Get Deal Done With Demaryius Thomas
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3. Denver Broncos Can’t Get Deal Done With Demaryius Thomas

Denver Broncos Can’t Get Deal Done With Demaryius Thomas
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There was hope the Denver Broncos would find a way to get a long-term deal done with exceptional wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Unfortunately, they had to settle for the franchise tag. Despite a long-term deal being the preferred outcome, the good news is the Broncos are guaranteed to have one of the best receivers in the game for what is expected to be Peyton Manning’s last season.

2. Green Bay Packers Don’t Use Franchise Tag On Randall Cobb

Green Bay Packers Don’t Use Franchise Tag On Randall Cobb
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2. Green Bay Packers Don’t Use Franchise Tag On Randall Cobb

Green Bay Packers Don’t Use Franchise Tag On Randall Cobb
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It’s really not that big of a surprise the Green Bay Packers decided against using the franchise tag on Randall Cobb, which would have paid him $12.823 in 2015. With that said, it’s surprising the Packers are willing to flirt with the possibility of losing him in free agency. Even though his asking price is high for a slot receiver, Cobb is still capable of fulfilling several roles. That makes him worth a price Green Bay must pay to keep him.

1. New England Patriots Choose Stephen Gostkowski

New England Patriots Choose Stephen Gostkowski
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1. New England Patriots Choose Stephen Gostkowski

New England Patriots Choose Stephen Gostkowski
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The biggest surprise from the NFL franchise tag deadline is the New England Patriots choosing kicker Stephen Gostkowski over safety Devin McCourty. There’s no denying Gostkowski is a great talent, which is why it makes sense the Patriots have decided to use the franchise tag on him. However, McCourty has quickly become an outstanding safety who will be coveted by numerous teams in free agency.

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