We are closing in on the 2012 NFL combine as well as the beginning stages of the 2012 free agency process as franchise tags can start to be handed out by teams starting on Monday. Below is the 2012 NFL offseason calender as well as the projected franchise tag and tender amounts for the upcoming free agency period.
2012 NFL CALENDAR
Feb. 20: First day to designate franchise/transition players.
Feb. 22-28: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.
March 5: Clubs must have designated franchise/transition players by 4 p.m. eastern
March 13: All 2011 player contracts expire at 4 p.m. eastern
March 13: Free agency begins at 4 p.m. eastern
March 13: Trading period begins at 4 p.m. eastern
March 26-28: Annual Meeting, Palm Beach, Fla.
April 1: Teams with new head coaches can begin offseason workout program.
April 16: Teams with returning head coaches can begin offseason workout program.
April 26-28: NFL Draft. Steelers draft 24th in the 1st round
May 21-23: Spring Meeting, TBD.
Projected Franchise tag amounts for 2012:
Quarterback: $14.4 million (down from $16.1 million in 2011, $16.4 million in 2010)
Running back: $7.7 million (down from $9.6 million in 2011, $8.2 million in 2010)
Wide receiver: $9.4 million (down from 11.4 million in 2011, $9.5 million in 2010)
Tight end: $5.4 million (down from $7.3 million in 2011, $5.9 million in 2010)
Offensive line: $9.4 million (down from $10.1 million in 2011, $10.7 million in 2010)
Defensive end: $10.6 million (down from $13 million in 2011, $12.4 million in 2010)
Defensive tackle: $7.9 million (down from $12.5 million in 2011; it was $7 million in 2010)
Linebacker: $8.8 million (down from $10.1 million in 2011, $9.7 million in 2010)
Cornerback: $10.6 million (down from $13.5 million in 2011; tag was $9.6 million in 2010)
Safety: $6.2 million (down from $8.8 million in 2011, $6.5 million in 2010)
Projected minimum amounts for restricted free agent tenders for 2012:
First Round: $2.742 million
Second Round: $1.927 million
Right of First Refusal/Original Round: $1.26 million
