A year ago, the 49ers avoided using their franchise tag as a last resort on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo when the sides agreed to a five-year contract extension that, for about a month, made him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
The two-week window during which time NFL teams may designate a franchise player opens on Tuesday. And for the first time in seven years, the odds appear high the 49ers will use that option.
If the 49ers are unable to work out a multi-year contract extension with kicker Robbie Gould, it would be a major surprise if the club did not use the tag to restrict his ability to sign with another team.