Lawrence, Clowney & Gould earn franchise tags

Five defensive players, all premier pass rushers, and 49ers placekicker Robbie Gould, were given franchise tags by their teams before Tuesday’s NFL deadline.

Ends DeMarcus Lawrence of Dallas and Frank Clark of Seattle, linebackers Dee Ford of Kansas City and Jadeveon Clowney of Houston, and DT

Grady Jarrett of Atlanta received non-exclusive tags. So did Gould.

That means the players can negotiate with other teams, which would be required to give up two first-round draft choices as compensation for signing the tagged player — something that rarely occurs.

The amount a defensive end must be offered is $17.128 million for 2019. Linebackers would get $15.443 million. A defensive tackle must get $15.209 million and a kicker $4.971 million. Free agency begins 4 p.m. March 13.

HARPER GOES FISHING

Bryce Harper has again lobbied for superstar Mike Trout to join the franchise in 2021, a possible violation of Major League Baseball’s tampering rule.

Trout, a two-time AL MVP with the Angels, grew up near Philadelphia, attended the Phillies’ victory parade in 2008 as a 17-year-old and has season tickets for the Eagles. The 27year-old outfielder is set to become a free agent after the 2020 season.

“If you don’t think I’m gonna call Mike Trout to come to Philly in 2020, you’re crazy,” Harper told SportsRadio 94WIP in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The Phillies gave Harper a 13-year contract last week, the largest deal in baseball history at $330 million. Harper told team owner John Middleton he’s willing to help the team recruit free agents and sell them on playing for a winner in Philadelphia.