Brent Grimes is scheduled to hit the open market one month from today, but the Dolphins may use their franchise tag on the cornerback well before the free agent period begins. As Grimes tells Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald though, he’s hoping to sign a multiyear deal to remain with the Dolphins, since that franchise tag “is not what anybody wants.”
A report last week suggested that re-signing Grimes will be a top priority for Miami this offseason, and based on Jackson’s latest story, it sounds as if the All-Pro defensive back is interested in continuing his career a Dolphin. At age 30, Grimes likely recognizes that his window to secure one last long-term contract is closing, meaning this offseason may represent his best chance at one last lucrative deal.
It may also be in Miami’s best interest to work out a long-term agreement with Grimes, as Jackson notes. With the franchise tag value for cornerbacks expected to exceed $11MM, using the tag on Grimes would severely cut into the club’s 2014 cap space. Although a multiyear deal might leave the Dolphins on the hook for more guaranteed salary, that money would be stretched over multiple seasons, and Grimes’ cap number for ’14 would almost certainly be smaller than $11MM.
As our list of notable offseason dates shows, NFL teams can begin designation franchise players next Monday.
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