As explained earlier on Friday, franchise players who have not yet signed their tender offers can still participate in their teams’ offseason programs. Though rare, it’s not unprecedented.
And it’s happening again.
Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports that Titans safety Michael Griffin will take part in the team’s offseason program. The Titans have applied the one-year franchise tag to Griffin, a first-round draft choice in 2007.
The move gives Griffin no leverage toward a long-term deal, unless the Titans plan to reward him for showing up by paying him. Conversely, if Griffin is fine with the one-year franchise tender, then he should just sign it.
Of course, if showing up helps Griffin get his long-term deal, look for more unsigned franchise players to do the same.