Ravens' Franchise Tag Window Opens Today
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Today marks the day the Baltimore Ravens are allowed to use the franchise tag on a current player, but will they?
The Ravens haven't used the tag since 2012, but there is a chance it could be used this year on either kicker Justin Tucker or left guard Kelechi Osemele.
Franchising Tucker, the best in the league and second-most accurate kicker in NFL history, could cost about $4.5 million. But, the Ravens have made it clear that they want to keep Tucker in Baltimore long-term. It's possible they could use the franchise tag as a first step while they negotiate a new deal.
The Ravens have also expressed their interest in keeping Osemele. But, because the franchise tag doesn't differentiate between tackles, centers and guards, Osemele would be paid as one of the top-five tackles in the league. And is he really worth that amount yet?
Osemele was rated as the 13th-best guard in the NFL and tied as the fifth-best run-blocking guard.
The Ravens have used the franchise tag seven times before. Teams have until March 1 at 4 p.m. to do so.
