RB Reggie Bush

The franchise tag value for running backs was only 7.7 million in 2012 and if Reggie Bush has another season like he just had, (216 carries for 1086 yards and 6 touchdowns with another 43 catches for 296 yards and another score), he’d be worth that. Heading into his age 28 season in 2013, that would make a lot more sense than giving him a long term deal, especially considering Bush’s history of injuries. However, Bush has only averaged over 4.2 YPC in one other season in his career and only had 212 carries in the previous 3 seasons combined so it’s unlikely he can reproduce what he did last season. The Dolphins don’t seem to think so either as they used a 4^th round pick on Lamar Miller, a potential long term replacement in tandem with Daniel Thomas.

Likelihood: Somewhat unlikely

WR Brian Hartline

Brian Hartline has as good a chance as anyone on the Dolphins of breaking out as a #1 wide receiver, but unfortunately that chance isn’t very good for anyone. On the off chance he does, he could be franchised in order to prove it again. The franchise tag value for receivers in 2012 was just 9.4 million.

Likelihood: Very unlikely

OT Jake Long

Teams rarely let their franchise left tackles hit the open market. Seeing a franchise left tackle available on the open market is almost as rare as seeing a franchise quarterback on the open market. Long was the #1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and has been a Pro-Bowler in each of the last 4 seasons. Unless he majorly regresses in Miami’s new zone blocking scheme, the Dolphins won’t let him go. If they can’t agree to a long term extension with him before free agency starts, he’ll almost definitely be franchised, especially if the franchise tag value for offensive lineman remains at the 9.4 million it was in 2012.

Likelihood: Very likely

DT Randy Starks

Randy Starks has become one of the best defensive tackles in the league and has played well both in a 3-4 and 4-3 defense. If the Dolphins can get Long under contract before free agency starts, Starks becomes the most likely candidate for the franchise tag, especially if the defensive tackle tag value stays at just 7.9 million.

Likelihood: Somewhat likely

CB Sean Smith

Smith was one of the best cornerbacks in the league in 2010, but the 2009 2^nd round pick regressed in 2011. If he bounces back in 2012, he could be a candidate for the franchise tag, but only if Long is extended and Bush regresses. The franchise tag value for cornerbacks, 10.6 million in 2012, was tied for the 2^nd most expensive of any position, so it should be reserved for only consistently elite cornerbacks, which Smith isn’t really, even if he bounces back.

Likelihood: Very unlikely

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