NFL

Winners and Losers of 2015 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline

Winners and Losers of 2015 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline

NFL Franchise Tag
Getty Images

The deadline for the 2015 NFL franchise tag has come and gone. What typically can be a quiet day in the football world was loaded with big names making headlines. Here is a look at the winners and losers of the 2015 NFL franchise tag deadline.

6. Dallas Cowboys – Winner

Dallas Cowboys – Winner
Getty Images

6. Dallas Cowboys – Winner

Dallas Cowboys – Winner
Getty Images

Signing Dez Bryant to a long-term contract is what the Dallas Cowboys are focused on. With that said, ensuring the incredibly productive wide receiver will be on the team in 2015 is a huge step in the right direction, especially after he led the NFL in touchdown receptions (16) last season. The chances of the Cowboys working out a deal with Bryant to keep him in Dallas for a long time are good, but they just have to agree on guaranteed money.

5. Jason Pierre-Paul – Loser

Jason Pierre-Paul – Loser
Getty Images

5. Jason Pierre-Paul – Loser

Jason Pierre-Paul – Loser
Getty Images

Jason Pierre-Paul was ready to test free agency and let the money fly in. Instead, the New York Giants made the right call by using the franchise tag on the elite pass rusher. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help Pierre-Paul in getting the long-term deal accompanied by a big payday that he hoped for after he posted 12.5 sacks last season. Plus, New York’s defense turned into a bit of a joke last season, which has to worry him going forward.

4. Denver Broncos – Winner

Denver Broncos – Winner
Getty Images

4. Denver Broncos – Winner

Denver Broncos – Winner
Getty Images

There’s no denying Demaryius Thomas is one of the best players at his position. The wide receiver has dominated the past three seasons with Peyton Manning under center, which is why using the franchise tag is a great call. More importantly, he’s a far superior player than free agent tight end Julius Thomas, who some say is nothing more than a product of Denver’s system. The Broncos needed to keep Thomas in Denver to be competitive in 2015.

3. New England Patriots – Loser

New England Patriots – Loser
Getty Images

3. New England Patriots – Loser

New England Patriots – Loser
Getty Images

It’s somewhat of a surprise the New England Patriots elected to use the franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski, even if he has proven to be great at his job. The reason the Patriots make the loser list is because the tag should have gone to safety Devin McCourty. Even though he got burned at times last season, McCourty is a premier safety who will be coveted by numerous teams. That has to scare New England in free agency.

2. Kansas City Chiefs – Winner

Kansas City Chiefs – Winner
Getty Images

2. Kansas City Chiefs – Winner

Kansas City Chiefs – Winner
Getty Images

Justin Houston came within a half-sack of tying Michael Strahan’s single season record. With 68 combined tackles, four forced fumbles and 22 sacks, Houston put forth his best season as a pro. The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t want to think about letting him leave town, but they also couldn’t get a long-term deal done. The hope is they have bought enough time to work out a contract extension that will keep Houston in KC for the entirety of his career.

1. Detroit Lions – Winner

Detroit Lions – Winner
Getty Images

1. Detroit Lions – Winner

Detroit Lions – Winner
Getty Images

The Detroit Lions absolutely made the right call not to use the franchise tag on defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Yes, he is a great pass rusher and fantastic at stopping the run. Not to mention, he’s by far the best player on Detroit’s defense. However, there’s no way he’s worth $26.87 million for the 2015 NFL season. Suh will be one of the most sought after free agents, which means it’s unlikely the Lions will be able to re-sign him.

Share Tweet