10 NFL players who could receive the franchise tag

The franchise tag in the NFL is like a toilet plunger: You don’t ever want to use it, but every once and while you’re going to need it.

In case you're not familiar with the dreaded “tag,” the franchise tag allows an NFL team to retain one unrestricted free agent for a large salary on a one-year contract. It’s a tool NFL teams use to prevent themselves from losing stars in free agency, but it does come at high financial cost.

Most players hate it and teams are usually leery to use the franchise tag, but every year we see NFL teams take advantage of it. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 players who could receive the franchise tag in the coming weeks.

1) Von Miller

The MVP of Super Bowl 50, if Broncos linebacker Von Miller hits the open market, he could command the most lucrative contract in NFL history for a defensive player — and it would be a contract he would deserve. Miller, 26, has recorded an incredible 60 sacks in just five seasons in a Broncos uniform.

Forget about Peyton Manning for a moment. The Broncos MUST find a way to retain Miller this offseason. If that means Denver needs to use the franchise tag on him, then it will.

2) Josh Norman

Panthers cornerback Josh Norman had a breakout season in 2015. He recorded four interceptions, defended 18 passes and forced three fumbles. In other words, he’s a shutdown-corner. With little depth behind him at the cornerback position, the Panthers can’t afford to let Norman leave town. A franchise tag might be inevitable here.

3) Kirk Cousins

Despite having his fair share of doubters, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins led Washington to its first division title since 2012 this past season. In the NFL, quarterbacks get paid, and it would be a disaster for the Redskins if they were outbid by another team for Cousins.

Although he appears to have his heart set on staying in Washington, the Redskins' cap situation is dicey, and the franchise tag my become a necessary tool for the team to use in order to keep its rising signal caller.

4) Alshon Jeffery

When healthy, Alshon Jeffery is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Simply put, he’s not the type of player you would ever want to lose to free agency, and Bears management is keenly aware of this. Chicago will attempt to keep Jeffery at all costs, even if means placing the franchise tag on the talented wideout.

5) Janoris Jenkins

With fellow starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson also set to become an unrestricted free agent, the Los Angeles Rams would be in a world of trouble if they lost Janoris Jenkins as well. At 27 years of age, Jenkins is just coming into his prime, and although injuries have slowed his development, the Northern Alabama and Florida product still has all the skills needed to become a shutdown cornerback.

If the Rams let Jenkins hit the open market, some team will offer him wheel barrels of money. The Rams would actually be wise to use the franchise tag on Jenkins.

6) Cordy Glenn

If he hits free agency, Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn will be the best offensive lineman available. The Bills haven’t made the postseason in the 21st century, and losing Glenn would just about ensure they won’t be playing in January for another year. Buffalo seems destined to place the franchise tag on its star left tackle.

7) Muhammad Wilkerson

Despite having a plethora of quality players along their defensive line, head coach Todd Bowles and the New York Jets have their hearts set on keeping defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson on the team. Wilkerson would command a massive contract out on the open market, making it likely that Jets management would use the franchise tag on him and retain the services 26-year-old Pro Bowl player.

8) Eric Berry

The emotional leader of the Kansas City Chiefs defense, All-Pro safety Eric Berry is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the coming days. You better believe that Berry will have no shortage of suitors.

A cancer survivor, Berry means more than words could ever describe to coach Andy Reid along with the Chiefs locker room and fan base. K.C. can’t afford to lose Berry, and if the two sides can’t come together on a long-term deal, the Chiefs will franchise tag him.

9) Tashaun Gipson

Despite being in total rebuild mode, the Cleveland Browns shouldn’t hesitate to put the franchise tag on safety Tashuan Gipson if they need to. The Browns are devoid of quality players all over their roster, so why lose one more? Gipson is likely to receive the franchise tag in the coming weeks.

10) Justin Tucker

Would an NFL team actually use the franchise tag on a kicker? In the case of Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, you better believe it. Tucker is arguably the best kicker in the NFL, and in a league in which games are decided by the swing of a leg, having player like Tucker is more of a luxury than most realize.

Tucker would likely command the largest contract ever on the open market for a kicker. With the franchise tag, the Ravens would only need spend a little more than $4 million to keep the All-Pro. It’s a rare case, but using the franchise tag on Tucker would help Ravens both in the short and long term.