The NFL offseason is in full swing as the scouting combine descends on Indianapolis, but there are many other decisions teams must make as they prepare for the 2013 season and one of the primary ones is the use of franchise tags, which all 32 teams were eligible to use starting on Monday.
The NFL offers a two-week window for teams to put the franchise tag on players and goes until March 4 despite the official salary cap not being set yet. The salary cap is expected to fall around $121 million, meaning many teams have tough decisions to make as they decide whether to use their franchise tags or not.
The franchise tag numbers are still being settled, but it will coat about $15 million for quarterbacks this season and under $3 million for punters and kickers on the other end of the spectrum.
Here is a look at each team in the league and the options it has for the franchise tag this season and how likely they are to use it.
Arizona Cardinals: The best options include linebacker Paris Lenon, who could leave in free agency, but the Cardinals must decide if he is worth paying over $10 million. Chances are they will not use it, with corner Greg Toler the other option.
Atlanta Falcons: Brent Grimes was the best corner for the Falcons before getting hurt and they may want to assure themselves of keeping him despite his injury. Sam Baker and William Moore could also be options and the team is likely to use it on one of those three.
Baltimore Ravens: The team is trying to work out a deal with Joe Flacco and if they can't, this is the only option for the Ravens to use the tag.
Buffalo Bills: Safety Jarius Byrd is likely the top candidate for the tag, as the team will want to keep their best defensive back on the unit.
Carolina Panthers: The team doesn't have many options for the tag, but it could fall to defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, although the Panthers know he isn't worth $8 million.
Chicago Bears: Fans hope it is used on linebacker Brian Urlacher, but it is more likely it will be for Pro Bowl DT Henry Melton.
Cincinnati Bengals: Kicker Mike Nugent was tagged last year and he could get it again if the team does not use it on tackle Andre Smith, the teams best lineman.
Cleveland Browns: Both the punter and kicker could get the tag, as kicker Phil Dawson has been tagged the past two years. Reggie Hoges is also an option.
Dallas Cowboys: The team would like to use it on Anthony Spencer, but the money on the cap would be too high, meaning they could use it on Felix Jones, but it is likely they won't use it.
Denver Broncos: The team has already decided to use it on Ryan Clady.
Detroit Lions: This team has one of the toughest decisions, as DE Cliff Avril, S Louis Delmas, RT Gosder Cherilus, CB Chris Houston and LBs Justin Durant and DeAndre Levy are all set to be free agents and any one of them could get the tag.
Green Bay Packers: Greg Jennings could be the tag here, but it is likely they won't use it as they wont want to pay over $10 million for the receiver.
Houston Texans: Glover Quin is the likely tag, as safeties have the third lowest number of positional players.
Indianapolis Colts: The team had two players in Austin Collie and Dwight Freeny who could have gotten the tag, but both were released, leaving it for punter Pat McAfee.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The team is likely to not use the tag this year.
Kansas City Chiefs: It will be between Dwayne Bowe or LT Branden Albert, and the team will likely try to sign whoever they don't tag.
Miami Dolphins: It could be former number one pick Jake Long as well as Reggie Bush at running back.
Minnesota Vikings: The team wants to keep Phil Loadholt but the tag will cost them a great deal of cash against the cap.
New England Patriots: The tag won't be used on Wes Welker, but it could be used on corner Aqib Talib, who was traded to the team last season.
New Orleans Saints: The team likely won't tag anyone due to their cap situation, but if they do it is likely to be Jermon Bushrod.
New York Giants: It will either be Will Beatty on the line or Kenny Phillips in the secondary.
New York Jets: The team would love to keep safety LaRon Landry and Dustin Keller could be an option despite being injured last year.
Oakland Raiders: The team doesn't have much cap flexibility, but after a breakout season, tight end Brandon Meyers could be the tag pick.
Philadelpia Eagles: Michael Vick was an option but the team likely will not use the tag, as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would get over $10 million as a cornerback.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Big cap problems mean the team likely won't use the tag, but Mike Wallace is the prime candidate.
San Diego Chargers: The team has many free agents but likely won't use the tag on corner Quentin Jammer.
San Francisco 49ers: Safety Dashon Goldson wants a long term deal but the team likely will tag him if a contract is not worked out.
Seattle Seahawks: The tag likely won't be used, but it could go to kicker Steven Hauschka.
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson is likely leaving the team no matter what, but the Rams may be reluctant to use it on oft-injured wideout Danny Amendola.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The team has cap flexibility and could use it on end Michael Bennett, brother of Martellus.
Tennessee Titans: Jared Cook at tight end is already the pick here.
Washington Redskins: The team may use it on Fred Davis, but they are out of $18 million in space under the cap after being penalized by the NFL.
