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5 Biggest Takeaways From 2015 NFL Franchise Tag Deadline Day

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By @nick_villano

5 Takeaways From Franchise Tag Day

DeMaryius Thomas
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The last day to apply the franchise tag to impending NFL free agents came and went on Monday. We learned some very valuable lessons throughout the day. It wasn't as busy a day as it was in years past, but that doesn't mean that a lot was learned. Here are the five biggest takeaways from this day.

5. Franchise Tag Isn't What It Used To Be

5. Franchise Tag Isn't What It Used To Be
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5. Franchise Tag Isn't What It Used To Be

5. Franchise Tag Isn't What It Used To Be
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Over 20 players were franchise tagged just a few years ago. That is over two-thirds of the league using this tool. This year, only five teams used it, and one used it on a kicker. Teams might not be willing to pay the average of the top five players at that position if the guy isn't a top three player at that position. That is why we saw who we saw get franchised.

4. Packers Believe Aaron Rodgers Makes His WRs

4. Packers Believe Aaron Rodgers Makes His WRs
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4. Packers Believe Aaron Rodgers Makes His WRs

4. Packers Believe Aaron Rodgers Makes His WRs
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The Packers have been known to let their wide receivers go for the most part. We have seen Greg Jennings and James Jones leave in recent years, and it looks like Randall Cobb could be going the same route. The last two that left did not do much without Aaron Rodgers. Can Cobb break that trend?

3. Wide Receivers Are Expensive

3. Wide Receivers Are Expensive
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3. Wide Receivers Are Expensive

3. Wide Receivers Are Expensive
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Of the five franchise tags, two of them were wide receivers. That is because there have been huge deals given to middle of the pack receivers like Mike Wallace, Danny Amendola and Percy Harvin signed huge deals that ruin team caps. Franchising Dez Bryant and DeMaryius Thomas was the right move for the Cowboys and Broncos, even if they cannot get a deal done.

2. Ndamukong Suh Wants A Ton Of Money

2. Ndamukong Suh Wants A Ton Of Money
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2. Ndamukong Suh Wants A Ton Of Money

2. Ndamukong Suh Wants A Ton Of Money
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The threat of the franchise tag obviously didn't make Ndamukong Suh's asking price go down at all. He believes he can get a deal that is close to what Albert Haynesworth got on the open market. The fact that they are so similar at this point is eerie. The Detroit Lions believe that the market won't be as booming as Suh thinks.

1. The Patriots' Secondary Could Look Very Different

1. The Patriots Secondary Could Look Very Different
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1. The Patriots' Secondary Could Look Very Different

1. The Patriots Secondary Could Look Very Different
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Devin McCourty was supposed to be the player franchised by the New England Patriots. He was a main cog in a defense that won a Super Bowl for the Pats. The team is also working with Darrelle Revis, who is set to make $25 million next season. The fact that the team decided to tag Stephen Gostkowski is baffling to say the least, and it could cost them in the end.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

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