Our team-by-team look at the potential application of the franchise or transition tag mentioned cornerback Kareem Jackson as the most likely (and, actually, only) looming unrestricted free agent in Houston to merit consideration for the restriction.
Appearing Monday on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Jackson said he’d prefer not to be tagged. Which is a good thing, because the Texans don’t plan to do it, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
As McClain points out, the Texans haven’t used the franchise tag since 2008, when cornerback Dunta Robinson’s rookie contract expired.
Jackson, a five-year starter selected in the first round of the 2010 draft, would be tendered a one-year, guaranteed salary of more than $13 million, if given the franchise tag.
“It is something I would rather not do, I would want to be locked in long term with some stability,” Jackson told SiriusXM NFL Radio regarding the possibility, via Scout.com. “I really haven’t put much thought into being tagged.”
Jackson said that his agent has been in contact with G.M. Rick Smith.
“Everything sounds good as far as their talks, they say they want to get something done actually before free agency actually starts,” Jackson said.
Before the process officially opens, all pending free agents will have a three-day window for negotiating with other teams. In several cases since the NFL launched the so-called legal tampering period, that process has helped a player’s current team realize that other viable offers are on the table, prompting the current team to offer more money.
Regardless of whether the deal happens before or after Jackson officially can talk to other teams, it appears the only way he’ll be staying in Houston is by signing a multi-year contract.