New Orleans Saints hold off on using franchise tag this offseason



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As expected, the New Orleans Saints stayed away from using the franchise tag on any of their players as Monday afternoon's deadline has come and gone. The Saints have only used the franchise tag twice since Sean Payton arrived in New Orleans by tagging Drew Brees in 2012 and Charles Grant in 2007.

Tackle Jermon Bushrod was the most likely candidate for the designation, but the $9.8 million price tag on a franchised offensive tackle was probably more than the Saints wanted to spend or could spend considering the team's salary cap situation.

Those around the league receiving franchise tags were Chiefs tackle Branden Albert, Bills safety Jairus Byrd, Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton, Broncos tackle Ryan Clady, Colts punter Pat McAfee, Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks and Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer.

By Larry Holder/ Times-Picayune

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