NFL Free Agency 2016: Ten players receive franchise or transition tags

The deadline for teams to apply the franchise or transition tags on players has come and gone, as the moves had to have been made by today.  The Indianapolis Colts didn't use either tag this year, which was absolutely expected given their free agent group.  Several teams did apply the tag to keep players around, however, keeping them off the free agent market.

Here's the list of all of the players tagged, according to NFL.com.

Franchise Tag:

Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, New York Jets

Justin Tucker, K, Baltimore Ravens

Cordy Glenn, T, Buffalo Bills

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

Josh Norman, CB, Carolina Panthers

Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Los Angeles Rams

Transition Tag:

Olivier Vernon, DL, Miami Dolphins

Most of these moves come as no surprise - particularly the tagging of Von Miller, who became the first non-quarterback to receive the exclusive franchise tag since 2007.  Miller, the Super Bowl 50 MVP, is one of the very best defensive players in the game and was a no-brainer decision for Denver since they couldn't get a long-term agreement worked out before today's deadline.  It does mean, however, that quarterback Brock Osweiler and defensive end Malik Jackson could hit the open market, however, making things interesting.  It is especially interesting since Kirk Cousins received the tag from Washington and Sam Bradford reached a contract extension with the Eagles, as Osweiler is now projected to be the most sought-after quarterback in a sub-par free agency group this year (because, as the Redskins and Eagles showed today, if teams have even a decent quarterback, they don't let him walk).

Some of the other expected players also got tagged, such as Alshon Jeffery, Muhammad Wilkerson, Josh Norman, and Eric Berry.  The Ravens tagging Justin Tucker was a good move as well, as even though he'll make significant money this year (the tag is $4.572 for kickers), he's one of the best kickers in the game and Baltimore didn't want to let him get away.  The Bills tagging Cordy Glenn was a surprise, but he is a good offensive lineman for the Bills and they wanted to keep him around and off the free agent market.  The Rams had a decision to make between their two corners, as both Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson were set to become free agents.  The expected selection was Jenkins, but the Rams sounded more confident in Johnson and love his upside, and tagging him wasn't a bad move at all.  It does mean, however, that Jenkins will hit the open market and will be a highly sought-after cornerback.

Finally, the Dolphins placed the transition tag on Olivier Vernon, which could be considered a surprise as well.  The transition tag ensures that the team gets a chance to match any offer made to Vernon.  Just last year, the Dolphins placed the transition tag on tight end Charles Clay yet lost him in free agency, as the Bills structured the deal in such a way that Miami would have difficulty matching.  It wouldn't be a surprise at all if the same thing happens with Vernon this year and the Dolphins lose him as well.