The Rams, really, only have one player they'll consider using the franchise tag on, safety O.J. Atogwe. Obviously, this is a no-brainer, with so few players under contract in the secondary, they'll want to hang on to ball hawking Atogwe. The franchise tag would give Atogwe a salary of $6.34 million, all of which would count against the cap.
Another player that the Rams might consider using a transition tag on is CB Ron Bartell. That would give Bartell a base salary of $8.37 million. Corners are the second highest values for franchise and transition tags, right after QBs, thanks to winning contracts like those given to Chris McAllister and Champ Bailey.
Now, let's review the rules for franchise and transition tags.
Franchise
- 1 per team, a one-year contract of no less than the average of the top 5 players at that position or 120% of their current contract, whichever is worth more.
- "Non exclusive" franchised players can negotiate with other teams, but their current team has the right to match or be compensated with two first round draft picks. Players tagged with an "Exclusive" franchise tag may not negotiate with other teams.
- If a player chooses not to accept the franchise (or transition) offer, they have to sit out because the team still owns their rights. If they are signed by another team, the current team receives compensatory draft picks.
Transition
- 2 per team, one-year contract worth no less than the average of the top 10 players at that position or 120% of their current deal.
- Current team has first right of refusal to match offers made by other teams. If they do not match offers, they do not receive compensation.
- Rarely used.