Messrs. Franchise

Earlier today the Philadelphia Eagles placed an exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick which means that Vick will be paid approximately $16 million next year, the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Vick is coming off one of his best statistical seasons of his career, finishing with 3,018 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 9 rushing touchdowns, 62.6% completion, and a passing rating of 100.2. Additionally, Vick was named the 2010 Associated Press' Comeback Player of the Year.

Vick wasn't the only big-time quarterback to receive the franchise tag today as the Indianapolis Colts placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Peyton Manning which means that Manning could be paid $23 million, the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league or 120% of his previous year's salary, whichever is greater.

I admittedly have no clue whether it's a positive or negative for a NFL team to place a franchise tag on a player. Initially, it seems like it would be a positive for a team to agree to pay its "top" player at a position, the average of the five highest-paid players at a position. However, I can see how it could be a negative, if you're the best player in your position and feel that you should be the highest paid player at your position.