Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas reports that Cowboys officials have informed that they will not use their franchise tag on impending free agent DT Jason Hatcher due to the team’s salary cap situation.
This, of course, comes as little surprise given that the team is in terrible financial shape and tagging Hatcher would result in $9.2 million salary that’s fully guaranteed based on Albert Breer’s projections.
According to Watkins, the Cowboys are currently projected to be $20 million to $25 million over the 2014 cap.
Hatcher, 31, is expecting a sizable payday this offseason after a breakout season in 2013. Hatcher tallied 11 sacks and was rated as the No. 8 Defensive Tackle in the league this past season, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I’m going to get what I deserve and get what I’m worth,” Hatcher stated back in December. “Age don’t matter. Whatever. If you ain’t talking what I want, I don’t want to talk to ‘em.”
As we mentioned earlier in the day, veteran defensive line entering in their thirties haven’t fared too well on the open market, so it will be interesting to see what kind of contract he’s able to secure from a new team.
We have Hatcher listed as the No. 22 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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