Cards use ‘non-exclusive’ franchise tag on LB Chandler Jones
Happy birthday, Chandler Jones. You’ve been tagged.
The Arizona Cardinals placed the “non-exclusive” franchise tag on the outside linebacker Monday, his 27th birthday.
| Player | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|
| Chandler Jones | 41 | 11 |
| Ryan Kerrigan | 42.5 | 13 |
| Von Miller | 43.5 | 11 |
| J.J. Watt | 50 | 11 |
| — ESPN Stats & Information | ||
With the non-exclusive designation, Jones can sign an offer sheet with another team. If the Cardinals choose not to match, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
ESPN’s John Clayton projects the franchise tender for linebackers at about $15.3 million for the 2017 season. Jones made $7.79 million last season, his first with the Cardinals after being traded to Arizona by the New England Patriots last March.
The Cardinals had until Wednesday to place the tag on Jones. They now have until 4 p.m. ET on July 15 to reach a long-term deal with Jones. Otherwise, he’ll have to sign a one-year contact.
Since Jan….