The Cincinnati Bengals are unlikely to use their franchise tag in 2011, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Cornerback Jonathan Joseph and running back Cedric Benson are the team's top candidates to be designated with a one-year franchise tender by Wednesday's 4pm ET deadline.
A first-round pick (24th overall) out of South Carolina in 2006, Joseph earned $1.625 million in 2010, the final year of his rookie contract. Because Joseph's base salary increased by more than 30%, the two sides were unable to do a long-term extension during the 2010 league year, which ends along with the collective bargaining agreement on March 3.
In his 67-game NFL career, which has included 58 starts, Joseph has 272 tackles, 14 interceptions, and 76 passes defensed.
Benson, a former first round pick by the Chicago Bears, recently completed the second season of a two-year contract extension that paid the former University of Texas standout $2.65 million in base salary last season.
During his three seasons with the Bengals, Benson has run for 3,109 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding 65 receptions for 474 yards and a touchdown as a receiver out of the backfield.
source: Mac's Football Blog
Posted by Brian McIntyre
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