Extension of tag likely not to affect Arizona Cardinals

The NFL has extended the franchise tag deadline for the Arizona Cardinals and rest of the league

There is really only one possibility for the use of the franchise tag at this point for the Arizona Cardinals and it’s looking less and less like it will be done.  Even after the NFL’s extension of the deadline to one second before midnight next Monday, it still seems like a long shot.

It was reported last month the Cardinals may be interested in tagging offensive tackle D.J. Humphries.  The team never allowed it to get that far and gave him an extension.

Now on that hot seat is running back Kenyan Drake.  However don’t expect that to happen given it would seem despite the Cardinals wanting to keep him, they are likely not wanting to pay him so well.

After the 4-year $25 million contract the Los Angeles Chargers paid for running back Austin Eckler, Drake would understandably want more.  However the Cardinals see what we see, it was a move the Chargers had to make as no expects Melvin Gordon back in Los Angeles.

The Cardinals don’t want to overspend at a position that already has a large contract tied to it.  David Johnson is still working on his contract, one many fans the team would find a way to get rid of.  Johnson is currently the highest paid back for 2020 at $10,200,000 per Spotrac.

So, a tag would mean a lot of money tied to the running back position and the Cardinals may not have enough to go around and cover most needs.  Again, don’t expect a tag to be placed.

The Cardinals may have rely on Johnson to be their number one back, possibly Chase Edmonds.  Unless of course they draft a running back but free agency will dictate.  It’s not impossible Drake returns, it just seems improbable at this point.