Our experiences aside, ... I still think it works. And I really believe it still works for both sides. With the money involved now, and the fact a player can guarantee those dollars immediately by signing the [one-year qualifying offer that accompanies the franchise tag], there aren't many players who haven't done OK for themselves. And let's remember the original intent of the franchise tag, to allow teams a mechanism for being able to keep players essential to them. You don't think the Indianapolis Colts wouldn't have been harmed if they had lost Peyton Manning last year? No, I still think it's fair.
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