Cortland Finnegan had been predicted by sportswriters covering the Tennessee Titans writers that the team was unlikely to use the franchise tag on their cornerback. Now, Jason La Canfora is testifying to the opposite. If so, that means that yet another cornerback option is off the market for the upcoming NFL agency period — which could make Brandon Carr a happy man.
Carr and Dwayne Bowe are the two possible recipients of a franchise tag of their own from the Kansas City Chiefs, and the team has been reportedly set to use it on Bowe to protect their receiver on the roster for the 2012 roster. The Chiefs have already signed free agent Stanford Routt, so it’s clear that there’s more wiggle room to lose Carr than before.
If Carr hits the open market, he now has another corner off of the market (if the Titans keep Finnegan). He’s already the best option as a four-year starter for the Chiefs who is still only 25-years-old. He’s formed a great young tandem with Brandon Flowers for the Chiefs and any team needing to significantly upgrade their pass defense should reach for him. He’s going to make his money.
Other options will be available to some degree, but the Falcons have already tagged Brent Grimes. Carlos Rogers is on the wrong side of 30. So is Rashean Mathis. Richard Marshall will get some play. But none of the above are even close to Carr’s resume.
Carr’s price just likely went up even more with the loss of market leverage with Finnegan available. That is, unless the Chiefs surprise everyone and keep Carr in house.