Raiders to slap franchise tag on Richard Seymour
Per ESPN, the Oakland Raiders will use their franchise tag on defensive lineman Richard Seymour if both sides cannot agree on a long-term contract extension.
Oakland acquired the five-time Pro Bowler prior to the start of the 2009 campaign for a 2011 first round draft choice.
If he is tagged, Seymour could make $12.398 million – the cost of the franchise label for a defensive end this upcoming season. Oakland has until next Thursday to decide whether or not to designate him as their franchise player.
Seymour was named in January to the All-Decade team and is a three-time first team all-pro and a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) with the New England Patriots.
Back in mid-January, he stated, “I’m in a unique situation where obviously, I played out my contract, I’ve one my time there and I’ve talked to Mr. [Al] Davis before I left and he said he would be getting in contact with my agent to try to work a deal out.”
He continued: “I would like to re-sign out in Oakland, because I think its always, when you can be a foundation piece and help turn an organization around, I think that’s a challenge for me.”
In 2004, Oakland utilized their franchise tag on Charles Woodson two days prior to the deadline and after not being able to negotiate on a long-term deal, they took that tact again the following season keeping him around in 2005 with the pricey designation.
In February of 2008, Nnamdi Asomugha got tagged, as Oakland retained exclusive negotiating rights with the cornerback. A year later, he expected to be tagged again stating, “Last year, Al (Davis) called me the day before just to let me know he’s going to do it, and then they waited until the very last possible second.
“I don’t know how they’ll do it this year, but the expectation from my agent is that the tag will happen.”
Asomugha inked a three-year deal worth $45.3 million with $28.5 million in guarantees that off-season.
Seymour ended his first season in Oakland with 47-tackles, one forced fumble and 4-sacks.
He said at seasons end, “I’m willing to take on that responsibility and that challenge and help being a part of bringing in some good guys that really can make a difference. I really enjoyed putting on the Silver & Black.”
