NFL franchise tag prompts grievance
Jadeveon Clowney is a defensive end based on snap counts from the 2018 season, but the Houston Texans used the franchise tag designation for an outside linebacker, a savings to the team of about US$1.7 million in 2019 salary.
That’s why the NFL Players’ Association plans to file a grievance on Clowney’s behalf, according to multiple reports.
Clowney, 26, was given the franchise tag to keep him from free agency before the March deadline. The team entered an outside linebacker designation, which carries a one-year tender value of $15.43 million. Clowney will play at a rate of $15.9 million for next season based on the required increase over his 2018 salary.
A franchised defensive end carries a $17.128 million tag.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Clowney played 729 snaps at defensive end in 2018. He played more at defensive tackle (101) than outside linebacker (33).
The Baltimore Ravens and Terrell Suggs, listed as a defensive end and outside linebacker, encountered a similar situation in 2008 over a difference of about $800,000.
A contract staredown could become a stalemate between the Denver Broncos and second-round quarterback Drew Lock.
The Missouri product reportedly insisted through his agent on being paid a “quarterback premium” and getting a higher-value contract than left guard Dalton Risner, who was the 41st pick by Denver, one slot ahead of Lock.
Mike Klis of 9News.com reports negotiations stalled and a holdout from one or both could happen.
Risner has not signed, as his agent resists having a player on the same roster, taken one spot later in the draft, take home more money or a greater guarantee. Both are due to report to camp Wednesday.
The NFL slotting system dictates the outlay of money for all players in any slot in the draft.
Based on that system, Risner would get a four-year contract worth $7.1 million, including a signing bonus of $3.214 million. Lock would get a four-year deal worth $7 million and a $3.119-million bonus.
Free agent running back Alex Collins is recovering from surgery for a broken leg, delaying his opportunity to catch on with a team before the start of the NFL season.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the injury took place about two weeks ago, but it’s unknown how the injury occurred.
The Baltimore Ravens waived Collins in March after he was arrested following a car accident.
Rapoport reported that with Collins’ legal case close to settled, other teams had expressed interest.