Henry Melton Slapped With Franchise Tag
Sep 09, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Henry Melton (69) reacts after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Chicago defeats Indianapolis 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears made a move just days before the deadline passed (March 4) and placed the franchise tag on Henry Melton according to all the Chicago Bears beat writers on Twitter, and the Chicago Tribune. Melton a first time pro bowler this past season will be a Chicago Bear for at least another season. Melton as every other player that gets slapped with the franchise tag is looking for a long-term deal as Matt Forte did last year.
Melton sent out this tweet after news of the franchise tag placement broke:
Good to be a Bear for another year hopefully we can get a long-term deal done soon! #BearDown #FranchiseTag
— Henry Melton (@HenMel) March 2, 2013
Melton is 26 years old and seems to be continually improving over the last two seasons. This was a move that the Bears needed to make on a defensive unit that stars are mostly on the wrong side of 30. Keeping a young star is a move that Phil Emery had to make even if the money is more than the team wanted to spend, to the tune of $8.45 million. Now the task at hand is freeing up some cap space.
What do you think? Was this “Must Move” by Emery and the Bears?