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NFL free agency: Lack of franchise tags gives Arizona Cardinals options at tackle

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The Cardinals will have their choice of players to choose from, as long as the contract status doesn't change.

By Jess Root
/ new
Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

The deadline came and went for placing the franchise and transition tags on key players teams want to retain.

In the end, the list looked like this:

Franchise tag: Panthers DE Greg Hardy, Jets K Nick Folk, Saints TE (or WR?) Jimmy Graham, Redskins LB Brian Orakpo

Transition tag: Browns C Alex Mack, Steelers LB Jason Worilds

Guess what? There isn't a single offensive tackle. Eugene Monroe, Branden Albert, Jared Veldheer and Anthony Collins, unless they sign new deals with their 2013 teams before March 11, will all hit the free agent market.

Veldheer's "freedom" was not necessarily expected, but  there are  whispers that the reason why he was not franchised is because he is on the verge of signing a multi-year contract, so it is not completely out of the question that he will still sign long-term.

This is great news for the Cardinals, who are expected to be in play for a free agent tackle. The law of supply and demand clearly teaches us that with greater supply comes cheaper prices. Mind you, the price for tackles won't be cheap -- it will only be cheaper with more options.

Who will be this offseason's target? Will they wait ans see? Will stay stand pat? Which of these players should be Arizona's 2014 starting left tackle?

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