The deadline has arrived. NFL teams wary of seeing a standout player hit the free-agency market next week must use their franchise or transition tag by 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The franchise tag costs more, but protects the club from seeing its prized player get signed by another team. The transition tag is slightly cheaper, but allows the player to negotiate with other teams. If a transition-tagged player agrees to a contract with another organization, his team can elect to match it. Think Browns center Alex Mack with the Jaguars two seasons ago.
With little time left, there are several teams with crucial decisions to make.