Monday was the first day NFL teams could begin using the franchise or transition tag on players set to become unrestricted free agents next month.
For the Miami Dolphins, cornerback Sean Smith and left tackle Jake Long seemed to be possible candidates to be tagged if the Dolphins look to take advantage of their option.
It now appears at least one of those names is off the table. Per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on Smith.
Smith is looking for a large payday in free agency. The franchise tag would have guaranteed Smith approximately $10 million next season. Smith started all 16 games for the Dolphins last season. He recorded 59 tackles with two interceptions and three forced fumbles.