Free-agent DT Aubrayo Franklin visited the Falcons on Monday, according to a league source.

Another exciting week of games on Sunday – which means another interesting day of Monday tape study.

Many of the top free agents at defensive tackle are still available, and the market for their services has been slow to form, according to agents and general managers to whom I’ve talked.

The Redskins’ pursuit of free-agent defensive tackles is another sign that Albert Haynesworth‘s days in D.C. likely are numbered.

The Washington Redskins, clearly in a rebuilding mode, have a few areas in need of improvement. But when NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora was asked during his Wednesday chat about what the Redskins need to do when free agency begins, he had focused on one position.

One of the best players not in camp right now (while the rest of his team is) is 49ers NT Aubrayo Franklin.

Niners GM Scot McCloughan said it’s “50-50 right now” the team will be able to work out a long-term deal with NT Aubrayo Franklin, who was given the non-exclusive franchise tag earlier this week.

The Steelers are planning to use their franchise tag on NT Casey Hampton and their transition tag on K Jeff Reed, barring a late breakthrough in contract negotiations, according to a league source.

Packers NT Ryan Pickett expects to receive the franchise tag soon, according to a league source.

The 49ers announced Tuesday that they have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on NT Aubrayo Franklin, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month.

We are now less than a week from the deadline (Feb. 25) by which teams must apply the franchise tag to prevent potential unrestricted free agents from hitting the market. Who will get tagged?

Jay cutler thorws another red-zone pick.

Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey writes that what Bears fans didn’t like about Kyle Orton as a quarterback, fans in Denver have completely accepted. What Orton lacks in style, he more than makes up for in results. He’s 25-12 as a starter.