The Washington Redskins placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff on Saturday, a contract worth one-year, $16 million if the 28-year-old signs it.
The Redskins and Scherff still would like to work out a long term contract, but the move gives Washington more time to work out a deal as Scherff would have been free to sign elsewhere next week if gone untagged. The deadline to sign players on the franchise tag to a long-term contract is July.
Scherff, meanwhile, can still negotiate with other teams when free agency begins next week, though any team that signs the Pro Bowler would have to give the Redskins two first round picks.