NFL Franchise Tag Values 2012, Drew Brees Wins $100M, Many Others Lose

Today marked the final day for NFL players to obtain long-term deals or take a franchise tag. Some high value, multi-year deals were made while other seasoned players got the short end of the stick.

Elite NFL quarterback, Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints received a huge price tag with a 5-year, $100 million deal. Although many felt as if the team paid too much for the 33 year-old player, the iconic athlete is worth every penny when considering his stats. 

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"He passed for over 5,400 yards and 46 touchdowns to 14 interceptions last season, completing 71.2 percent of his passes. Even in the Saints' 36-32 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs last season, Brees passed for 462 yards and four touchdowns, albeit with two interceptions," Bleacher Report, reported.

Dwayne Bowe in the Kansas City Chiefs did not get a long-term offer. His franchise tag value is in question, although the player had an impressive rookie season with the Chiefs. 

Matt Forte with the Chicago Bears won a $32 million deal with a 4-year contract, according to ESPN. According to National Football Post, the player was responsible for 33% of the team's total offense during the first 3 years of his season with the Bears. 

The San Francisco 49ers lost Doshon Goldson for a contract. The 27 year-old is known as a great player, however, he recorded a career-high of 6 interceptions last season with the team. 

Superstar running back, Ray Rice, was sure to get a good deal, many were unsure, however, of which team would capture him. The 25 year-old player scored a $40 million, 5-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The team is expected to be unstoppable in the backfield for the next 5 years with the star player. 

Many anticipated for the Philadelphia Eagles to franchise DeSean Jackson. Instead, he was offered a $47 million contract for 5-years on the team. While Jackson is a talented receiver, his game last season did not seem to improve. 

On the other hand, Cliff Avril of the Detroit Lions dominated last season with 11 stacks and forcing 6 fumbles. The 26 year-old player was responsible for 25% of the team's total sack in the previous season. However, he was not able to reach a long-term agreement and it may hurt his game int he future. 

31 year-old Wes Welker also got the boot with no long-term contract. Bleacher Report reports that the aging player for the New England Patriots may lose value as the new seasons approach. 

Another 31 year-old for the Indianapolis Colts came out a winner. Robert Mathis came out with a $36 million contract for 4-years.