Five defensive players, kicker get franchise tag

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Five defensive players, all premier pass rushers, and 49ers placekicker Robbie Gould, were given franchise tags by their teams before Tuesday’s NFL deadline.

Ends DeMarcus Lawrence of Dallas and Frank Clark of Seattle, linebackers Dee Ford of Kansas City and Jadeveon Clowney of Houston, and DT Grady Jarrett of Atlanta received non-exclusive tags. So did Gould.

That means the players can negotiate with other teams, which would be required to give up two first-round draft choices as compensation for signing the tagged player — something that rarely occurs.

The amount a defensive end must be offered is $17.128 million for 2019. Linebackers would get $15.443 million. A defensive tackle must get $15.209 million and a kicker $4.971 million.

Free agency begins March 13 at 4 p.m. EDT.

Lawrence, 26, was tagged for a second straight year. He is in line for $20.5 million, 120 percent more than he made under the tag last season. Even if the 26-year-old signs it, Lawrence and his representatives have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Dallas.

Last year, Lawrence signed a $17.1 million contract the same day the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him. He had 10 1/2 sacks as the main cog in Dallas’ improved defense this past season.

Clark, 25, had a career-high 13 sacks in 2018 despite no longer having veterans Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril up front with him. Those were the most sacks by any Seattle player since 2007.

“It’s been marvelous to watch him grow. He’s grown within the program,” coach Pete Carroll said of Clark late last season. “How many years has he been here? Four? Yeah, so it’s like he’s a senior now and he’s acting like it. He’s embraced the opportunity and the role.