Restricted Free Agents May Provide Value
Back in 2005, then Ravens running back Chester Taylor was a restricted free agent. The Ravens extended Taylor the low-tender, which back then, meant it would cost the team just $656,000 if the former Toledo Rocket accepted. That would have been quite a bargain for the productive backup to Jamal Lewis.
But the low-tender exposed the Ravens. As a former 6th-round pick, any team that extended an offer sheet to Taylor would only have to sacrifice their 6th-round selection. Phil Savage, who had just left the Ravens in January of 2005, was in his first season as the Browns GM.