You read earlier today about former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sean Gilbert and his strong feelings about the situation surrounding Saints QB Drew Brees. As the last player to sit out an entire year in protest of the franchise tag, Gilbert has more than earned his bona fides on this topic. It’s been 15 years since Gilbert battled the franchise tag, sat out a year, then proved it was worth it. And he still hasn’t warmed up to the concept of the tag, which was, once again, part of the newest collective bargaining agreement. No, his serious opinions weren’t only for Brees. Want to hear Gilbert’s thoughts on the franchise tag? On his dealings with the franchise tag: “I wasn’t […]

Patriots WR Wes Welker officially signed the franchise tender Tuesday, calling it a “leap of faith.” I’ll call it something else — his best option.

The San Diego Chargers have decided not to apply the franchise tag to receiver Vincent Jackson, a source with knowledge of the situation said Monday.

The Dallas Cowboys have used their franchise tag on LB ​Anthony Spencer​, according to a team source.

The Detroit Lions have applied the franchise tag to defensive end Cliff Avril, according to a league source.

The Jaguars applied the franchise tag to kicker Josh Scobee on Monday, according to his agent, Ken Harris.

The Cleveland Browns will apply the franchise tag to kicker Phil Dawson, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The Redskins have franchised TE Fred Davis, a league source said Friday.

Frustration has built with Saints QB Drew Brees, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, and the team will use its franchise tag on him, short of a rapidly developing long-term deal.

The Patriots have used their franchise tag on veteran DT Vince Wilfork, Comcast Sports New England reported Monday, meaning he will be paid $7.003 million next season to stay with the team.

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?

NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche believes the Saints will apply the franchise tag to unrestricted free-agent FS Darren Sharper.

Houston’s talented young cornerback, Dunta Robinson, is trying to simulate training-camp conditions while he sits on his franchise tag.

Houston Texans CB Dunta Robinson is not in training camp, and has yet to sign a contract. Robinson told The Houston Chronicle during a phone interview he’s likely to join the team during the first week of the regular season, but would report immediately if the team promised not to place its franchise tag on him for the second consecutive season.

Former first-round draft pick Dunta Robinson has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender from the Texans and could miss the start of training camp, according to a source.