Bears Prepared To Franchise DT Henry Melton On Monday?

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun Times writes that there’s a good chance that Bears GM Phil Emery will use their franchise tag on DT Henry Melton at some point in the near future.

NFL teams can apply tags to players starting on Monday, February 18 through March 4.

It would cost the Bears $8.3 million to tag Melton, who is coming off of back-to-back solid seasons and will be an unrestricted free agent in the next few months. The tag could buy Chicago some extra time negotiate a long-term deal, but it doesn’t sound like Melton is willing to accept below market contract in the next few months.

“We’re still playing the 4-3 … there is not another better D-tackle in the league than myself,” Melton said. “I feel like that.”

The Bears could begin the process of discussing a long-term deal with Melton and his representation at this year’s Scouting Combine.

We have Melton listed as the No. 5 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.