IMO, That is the mask they hide behind, yes.

But reality of the NFL is no contract is guaranteed, so a long term deal really means little in the big scheme of it all.

The reason they want to hit the market, is that signing bonus, which once paid is "guaranteed" money unless the player refuses to play. If the team after one year, see Cullen Jenkins, decides to cut or rework the deal, the player keeps that upfront money. Generally deals are structured so that the player won't be on a one and done, but for the player if it is they hit the market again and have a shot at the Bonus money again.

It is all about cash in the pocket now. It is also why players "forget" a couple years into the deal that the bonus money is amortized over the term of the deal from the clubs perspective.

From a players perspective, if they are a highly sought after commodity, they are going to collect those bonus (single check) payments.

"A dollar in hand is better than two in the bush" type logic.

However, if one sat back and looked at it, year to year franchise tags is a much more lucrative deal. You always remain in leverage, and as long as you perform, your golden.

Yes there is the injury concern, but most of the time, club "repairs" you and passes you physically, then are free to release but must suffer and "cap hit".

But most clubs, see GB, have become very proficient at managing the cap that it really isn't a huge deal.

Additionally, a player can insure themselves against injury and loss of earning potential. Much as collegiate players can .

---

Competitive juices, people. Either you have them or you don't. Flynn’s going to want to play somewhere else assuming he’s a competitor. It seems unlikely he'll sign the 14 million tag, even if somebody only offers him 10-12 million. The Packers are undoubtedly talking to other teams about Flynn. There's a lot of winking and nodding that goes on behind the scenes. You can bet there is a gentleman's agreement in place if Flynn is tagged.

---

Agreed the term guaranteed money is often used wrongly, as contract figures can be guaranteed for either skill, injury, or both, in the last case that money is just as guaranteed as the signing bonus is it not?

---

doesn't sound like the tag is going to happen

---

Agreed.. that is a correct statement.

Now wanna wager on the percent of contracts guaranteed for both or even injury is vastly under the proportionate of free agent deals? I would be willing to bet that less than 10 maybe even 5% of the deals out there are guaranteed for both. Revis is the only one that comes to mind.

---

To be honest i havent looked much at it, but it doesnt sound far fetched to me, i normally only care about the cap hit on a year by year basis, whether it comes from the signing bonus or contract figure thats been guaranteed for this or that is irrelevant in most cases.

---

Here's a good read on the risks of slapping the Franchise Tag on Matt Flynn.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/141107473.html 

---

Boy does that sound familiar.. hmmm, I know they read the site. (no accreditation either) 🙂

I dare you to send a "nice" email talking about lifting material. lol.

Again.. no doubt that it can be done.. but the risks are there and high.

---

No shit.

---

Let the kid go to the open market. The tag & trade would have to be kind of shady in the first place to make it at all comfortable to do, and even then it would be a "nervous" proposition.

A 3rd round compensatory pick is just fine with me. Let's not be greedy.