RECAP: Franchise Tag Numbers Are Tentatively Established

Last month the NFL Network released tentative numbers for the franchise tag and we wanted to reiterate those numbers in the face of two highly productive players entering the offseason as unrestricted free agents.

If the Cincinnati Bengals use the franchise tag on offensive tackle Andre Smith, they'll have $9.66 million designated for their starting right tackle. All of it guaranteed. Michael Johnson will be more expensive at $10.984 million. Again, guaranteed.

The risk of using the franchise tag is that you're facing an issue next year where:

• Contract expires for franchise player (Johnson or Smith)
• Contract expires for Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap (if they're not extended)
• Contract extensions are open for A.J. Green, Andy Dalton and Clint Boling.

You think that the Bengals are conservative with their money while arguing for Greg Jennings?

Tentative franchise tag numbers this year.