Cleveland Browns: Should Franchise Tag Have Been Used?

The Cleveland Browns opted not to franchise tag any of their free agents before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. Will the team regret their decision?

The Cleveland Browns decided not to franchise tag any of their free agents. Meaning safety Tashaun Gipson, center Alex Mack, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and receiver Travis Benjamin are all likely to test the open market March 9.

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The Browns’ move was expected and will make for an interesting week before other teams can begin talking to players March 7. Obviously, the team will be unable to retain all of their talent, but re-signing the right pieces could make all the difference. Locking in two of the four key unrestricted free agents for the 2016 season would be a huge victory for the front office.

But which two?

Look no further than Mack and Schwartz. The Browns are expected to select a quarterback at second overall, but signing a free agent quarterback is not out of the question. Regardless of the route head coach Hue Jackson and VP of football operations Sashi Brown decide to go, a solid foundation will be vital to said quarterback’s success. The Denver Broncos put on a pass rushing clinic against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. The offensive line will only grow in importance as the league’s blitz happy trend continues.

Mack is a three-time Pro Bowler and expected to opt out of his contract on Friday with three years and $24 million left on the table. Why? Because he could become the first $10 million-a-year center in league history, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.

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Schwartz emerged as one of the best right tackles in the league during the 2015 season. As previously discussed, with the onslaught of talented pass rushers in the NFL, right tackle is becoming as important as left tackle on the offensive line. Retaining offensive linemen of Mack and Schwartz’ caliber should be a priority for the Cleveland Browns.

That leaves Gipson and Benjamin on the outside looking in. Last week there were reports that Benjamin and the Browns were close to a deal, then it was quickly followed up with news that talks broke down. Numerous teams have shown interest in the speedy wide receiver. As for Gipson, Browns Safety Donte Whitner told Cabot at Monday’s Cleveland Auto Show he does not believe Gipson will be back next season, but he remains “hopeful.”

The Browns (possibly) made a mistake not franchising Gipson. The four-year veteran has 13 interceptions the past three seasons and was selected to the Pro-Bowl in 2014. The tag would have paid Gipson $10,806,000 for the 2016 season, and would have been well worth it. Especially for a team as bad defensively as the Browns. Benjamin on the hand would make $14,599,000 under the tag, too expensive for a receiver with one breakout season under his belt.

The efforts of the Browns’ front office in free agency would be best directed towards the offensive linemen, but letting Benjamin and Gipson walk doesn’t feel good either. That’s the nature of the beast, though. Still, the Cleveland Browns do not have enough talent in their organization to easily let go of players such as Gipson and Benjamin. Hindsight is 20/20, but labeling the Browns not using the franchise tag as a mistake is premature.

Next: Browns, Manning Union Not 'Farfetched'

How the Browns’ front office handles their key free agents over the next week will go a long way in evaluating their decision.

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Cleveland Browns: Should The Franchise Tag Have Been Used?

By Evan Hablitzel | Mar 2, 2016

The Cleveland Browns opted not to franchise tag any of their free agents before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. Will the team regret their decision?

More from Factory of Sadness