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The Seattle Seahawks declined to place the franchise tag on cornerback Shaquill Griffin and running back Chris Carson ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Seahawks will attempt to re-sign Griffin in free agency. Carson's future remains to be seen after an injury-riddled 2020 season.
The #Seahawks won’t franchise tag standout CB Shaquill Griffin given their cap situation, though they’ll work to retain him in free agency, source said. He’ll be one of the top players at his position.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2021
Seahawks informed RB Chris Carson that they will not place their franchise tag on him, per source. Carson set to hit free agency.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2021
Griffin was one of the more improved cornerbacks in football in 2019. He made the NFC Pro Bowl team after finishing the season with 13 passes defended and allowing just a 57.1 percent completion rate in coverage.
The 25-year-old was slightly less adept in coverage in 2020, allowing a 62.1 percent completion rate and six touchdowns. But Griffin still recorded 12 passes defended and was more of a sure tackler.
It remains to be seen what Griffin's market will be like in a fairly shallow cornerback market. The Seahawks could be hoping to sign him at an annual average value below the tag value, though that could prove difficult if a number of other teams get involved. Still, it appears they hope to re-sign Griffin, which only makes sense considering Quinton Dunbar is also a free agent.
Carson might not be back with the 12th Man. He rushed for over 1,100 yards in both 2018 and 2019, but had seven fumbles in 2019 before playing just 12 games in 2020. Carson's 4.6 yards per carry points to his value, as does his ability to be a receiver coming out of the backfield. But the Seahawks do not seem willing to spend a ton of money on a running back given their current cap inflexibilities.
If Griffin and Carson are to return, they will do so in free agency.
