NFL Notes: Franchise Tag Candidates, Bears, Broncos, Jets & Vikings

Franchise Tag Candidates

Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com takes a look at some free agents that could be candidates to receive franchise tags from their respective teams next year, including:

• Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell
• Patriots TE Martellus Bennett
• Chiefs S Eric Berry
• Browns LB Jamie Collins
• Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower
• Cardinals DE Chandler Jones
• Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul
• Panthers DT Kawann Short

Bears

• The Bears officially ruled out wide receivers Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson for Sunday’s game gainst the Packers.

Broncos

• The Broncos officially ruled out LB Brandon Marshall for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

Jets

• The Jets officially ruled out CB Buster Skrine, LB Lorenzo Mauldin, DT Steve McClendon, and LB Mike Catapano for Saturday’s game against the Dolphins.
• The Jets also have RB Matt Forte listed as questionable.

Vikings

• The Vikings officially ruled out OL Brandon Fusco, CB Trae Waynes, S Harrison Smith and WR Laquon Treadwell for Sunday’s game against the Colts. (Chris Tomasson)
• The Vikings also have OL Joe Berger, RB Matt Asiata and CB Mackensie Alexander listed as questionable. (Matt Vensel)