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News has started coming out about franchise tags and how certain NFL franchises plan to use them. The good news? Most of the guys that the San Diego Chargers should be coveting are not getting tagged.
- The Buffalo Bills will use their franchise tag on S Jairus Byrd, making OG Andy Levitre an unrestricted on March 9th. Levitre was the 9th highest rated Guard in the league past year according to Pro Football Focus (Remember: Free Agent Offensive Guards).
- The Cincinnati Bengals will use their franchise tag on DE Michael Johnson, making OT Andre Smith an unrestricted free agent. Pro Football Focus rated Smith as the 4th best Tackle in the league in 2012, and the best Right Tackle (Remember: Free Agent Offensive Tackles).
Oh, but the good news doesn't stop there. The Atlanta Falcons made some news this morning, freeing up cap space by cutting DE John Abraham, RB Michael Turner and CB Dunta Robinson. It also looks like they won't be shelling out the necessary funds to re-sign CB Brent Grimes.
Seeing as how the San Diego Chargers are probably in the market for an Offensive Guard, Offensive Tackle, backup Running Back, Cornerback and Pass Rusher.....these would all seem to be pretty good moves for Tom Telesco's first go-around in Free Agency as a General Manager. Even if these players aren't good fits for his roster in San Diego, flooding the market with players that play those positions just drives down the price of whichever guy the Chargers do eventually sign.