NFL Oakland Raiders

5 Players the Oakland Raiders Could Use the Franchise Tag On

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By @Kevin_Saito

5 Players Who Could Be Tagged in 2015

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Thus far, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie has proven that he's reluctant to use the franchise tag. Just last season, he opted to not place the tag on either one of his top two free agents – Jared Veldheer and Lamarr Houston – and lost them both. This year, with ample room under the cap and a handful of unrestricted free agents, the notoriously thrifty McKenzie likely won't use the tag again, but if he does, it might be on one of these five players.

5. Charles Woodson

Woodson
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

5. Charles Woodson

Woodson
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Though the least likely of Oakland's unrestricted free agents to get the tag, Oakland would do well to bring Woodson back. At 38 years old, he is still playing at a high level and has expressed that he has every intention to play in 2015. The Raiders need his veteran leadership and savvy on the field. Reggie McKenzie and the Raiders should do everything they can to bring the future Hall of Famer back in 2015 – even if they have to tag him.

4. C.J. Wilson

Wilson
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. C.J. Wilson

Wilson
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The emergence of Justin Ellis limited Wilson's playing time in 2014, but C.J. Wilson proved to be a pretty valuable rotation player. He played in all 16 games this season, recorded a pair of sacks, and provided a big body on Oakland's defensive front. He's not the biggest name in football and won't be the most sought after free agent, but Wilson is a good role player and a good presence in the locker room, which might up his value and appeal.

3. David Ausberry

Ausberry
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3. David Ausberry

Ausberry
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After a decent 2014 season in which he caught 58 passes, Mychal Rivera looks poised to be the Raiders' number one tight end moving forward. But Oakland has always been intrigued by Ausberry's abilities – it's his health that keeps them from seeing more of it. Ausberry can't seem to stay healthy, but has the raw skills to catch a lot of balls as well as be a terrific blocker.

2. Pat Sims

Sims
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

2. Pat Sims

Sims
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Another valuable contributor on Oakland's defensive front, the organization has loved Sims' passion and drive since he's been in the Bay Area. He played in all 16 games for the Raiders this season, starting two of them, and was part of a rotation that grew stronger as the season went on. The Raiders need big, strong, fast bodies on the defensive line and Sims fits that bill. Though not likely, Oakland could use the tag on him.

1. Stefen Wisniewski

Wisniewski
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stefen Wisniewski

Wisniewski
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Of all of Oakland's UFA's, Wisniewski is the most likely to have Oakland use the franchise tag on him. He's been the anchor of the Raiders' offensive line for four seasons and though he didn't have his best season in 2014, Oakland might not be willing to let him walk away, a la Veldheer. McKenzie might have to pony up to keep this home grown talent, and rock of the Oakland offense in town for another year or more.

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