At the combine, the word was that the Miami Dolphins would use the franchise tag on somebody. Generally speaking, it was believed to be on Jake Long, but the continued lack of contract negotiation on that front may lead to Long's departure, and his franchise number would have been too high in any case.
Instead, the franchise tag has gone to defensive tackle Randy Starks. Cornerback Sean Smith was considered, but his value was not considered as high as Starks'.
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Instead, the franchise tag has gone to defensive tackle Randy Starks. Cornerback Sean Smith was considered, but his value was not considered as high as Starks'.
This is the perfect way to keep Starks in the fold. His career has been somewhat up-and-down, but he's played his best football of late. If Starks backs up that performance, he could get a long-term contract like his linemate Paul Soliai did after getting tagged. Starks would have made a lot of coin on the free-agent market as the best potential interior lineman. He can play in any scheme and is a solid performer against the run and the pass.
Last season the eight year veteran, Maryland graduate Starks helped the Dolphins with 27 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception.
Starks will make $8.45 million as the team's franchise player. He indicated recently on Twitter he was hoping for more than the tag, but it didn't sound like he was particularly close to agreeing on a long-term contract. Since the Dolphins have plenty of salary-cap space, they can afford to keep Starks under his tag number.
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