In recent weeks, we’ve flagged a few free agents who have twice before been on the receiving end of the franchise tag. As a result of the grievance filed by Drew Brees in 2012, tags applied by different teams in different years stack together.
Based on the language of the labor deal, a non-quarterback tagged a third time gets quarterback money.
As Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star points out, Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri was tagged by the Patriots in 2002 and 2005. The Colts therefore can’t use the tag to keep the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer around -- unless they want to pay him more than $15 million for 2014.
Other players who’d get similar money if tagged again this year include 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (tagged twice by the Browns) and Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby (tagged twice by the Cardinals before joining the Dolphins).
No franchise tags have been applied in 2014, with only three days to go until the annual two-week window closes.