The Atlanta Falcons have officially franchised tagged Grady Jarrett as they could not reach a long-term deal as the deadline to tag players is Tuesday.
“As we have said since the end of the season, getting a deal done with Grady is our priority,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Applying the franchise tag to him does not change that in any way. Our aim is for Grady to be an integral part of our plan for many years to come and this allows us to extend our negotiating window.”
Mike Bell said that this does not mean he will play under the tag this season.
“This doesn’t mean he’s going to play under this tag,” said Bell. “It just means we’re the only team that can negotiate with him. There’s no such thing as a home town discount, this is the one big contract that he will get.”
Carl Dukes said the $15 million that Jarrett will make this season will set the bar for what he will make in a long-term deal.
“These are the decisions that teams have to make,” said Dukes. “If you’re Grady Jarrett you’re not going to take less than $15.2 million which is what the tag number is for him. Fifteen million a year will be the starting point for a long term contract.”
