In his seventh NFL season, 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin has become one of the best nose tackles in the league.
And he'll be paid that way come 2010, one way or the other.
According to John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers plan to use the franchise tag on Franklin, who is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season.
To do so, the Niners would be required to tender to Franklin a one-year contract with a base salary equal to the average compensation paid in 2009 to the five highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL.
Franklin came to San Fran in 2007, as a free agent from the Ravens, who acquired him in the fifth round of the 2003 draft. The draw from Baltimore to San Fran was former 49ers coach and former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Now the defensive coordinator of the Broncos, Nolan could have designs on bringing Franklin to Denver, if he were to hit the market.
Per NFLPA records, Franklin currently is earning a base salary of $2 million in the final year of his current contract. For defensive tackles, the franchise tender in 2009, based on 2008 compensation, was $6.058 million.
49ers plan to franchise Franklin
Posted by Mike Florio on November 20, 2009 12:31 PM ET
WOW>>>> Now this is sure "Breaking News"...
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
6 million would be cheap for a good nose tackle.
The tag will be higher next year, but still not bad compared to most other positions. I would guess in the $7.5-8 million range.
The Haynesworth deal will improve that number for Franklin.
good move.. lock him up short term until Balmer is ready to start
@ purplepuzzyeatrz, who said...
"WOW>>>> Now this is sure "Breaking News"...
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ"
Sorry, guy, they can't all be about Brett Favre.
The best D-Tackle for this upcoming year remains Wilfork by far.
It is good to see him doing so well in San Francisco. I never thought he would ever be that good.
Count on Crumpacker to deliver these tasty morsels of information.
It's realy hard to judge whose the best D tackle becuase you really can't use stats. The top 3 in my mind are Shuan Rodgers, Abryu Franklin, and Casey Hampton (in no particular order). I haven't seen Wilfork much but he certainly does what NT is supposed to do, occupy 2 blockers ever single play. He is probably better than Casey Hampton (especilly now) but Hampton has always been one of my favorite players. Franklin is impressive becuase he not only occupies 2 blockers but he moves the pocket and often collaspses it all by him self. Shuan Rogers is the beat in my mind becuase A. He plays for the Browns which is a huge handicap and B. Takes up 2 blockers and gets through almost every play.
Good move by the Niners keeping him, I saw a post mentioned Balmer. Balmer is not looking good but also plays a different position so you are way off buddy.
Its a good move. Franklin's work ethic is outstanding and the guy is durable as hell. Has come a long ways since the Raven days.
Read the friggin article Florio. Crumpacker said nothing of the kind.