OT: Detroit Lions to franchise tag kicker Jason Hanson

[Unsterblich856]

http://www.freep.com/article/200902.../Team+might+exercise+franchise+tag+on+Hanson+

Well, when you go 0-16, what else do you have? To their credit, Jason Hanson did have a pro-bowl worthy season.

 

[Ryanwb]

He's 38 years old! Is Matt Millen still secretly in charge? What a train wreck of a franchise

 

[Unsterblich856]

He's 38 years old! Is Matt Millen still secretly in charge? What a train wreck of a franchise

38 isn't too bad for a kicker, you have guys like John Carney and Morten Anderson going well into their 40s.

 

[TheHopToad]

Poor guy. Just when he thought he could probably escape and go play for a winner, he gets tagged. So much for his lifelong dream of kicking the game winner in the Super Bowl.

 

[DoTheDew]

It seems every year multiple teams franchise their kicker/punter. I think it makes sense because it is inexpensive and saves the GM the hassle of having to work out a long term deal. Also I think starting K/Ps are the most cut starters in the league during the season so by franchising them they don't take a longer term cap hit if they have to cut them.

 

[AzCatsFanatic]

Hanson has played 17 seasons for the Lions. As a Lions fan (the Cards are my 2nd favorite team) as long as Hanson can play, I want him on the Lions.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

Who do they tag next year, the long snapper?

 

[Spielman]

Hanson's one of the most popular Lions (not that that's saying much) and is respected for being willing to throw his body into the action on kick return coverage. A couple of my friends went to the high school he used to work out at in the offseason and say he's a terrific guy into the bargain.

I'm with AZCatsFanatic. The Lions would be nuts to let him get away as long as he's still kicking well.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Hanson has played 17 seasons for the Lions. As a Lions fan (the Cards are my 2nd favorite team) as long as Hanson can play, I want him on the Lions.

Wow. Sad day for Hanson. How many kickers have been franchised? Ever?

Hey, Fanatic, I admire you for sticking with your team. (And, if you are like me, you are thinking, "how could I NOT stick with MY team?") I totally mean that. As a Cards fan, I have heard the "how can you root for that team" crap for years. I was really hoping they wouldn't go 0-16.

In any case, I am glad you support your good players. Good luck next year, dude.

 

[TheHopToad]

Hanson's one of the most popular Lions (not that that's saying much) and is respected for being willing to throw his body into the action on kick return coverage. A couple of my friends went to the high school he used to work out at in the offseason and say he's a terrific guy into the bargain.

I'm with AZCatsFanatic. The Lions would be nuts to let him get away as long as he's still kicking well.

Rackers does this too, but I can guarantee that the Cards will not franchise him next year when he is a free agent. I'm sure they already have the tag set aside for A-Dub if they can't work out his deal between now and then...

 

[Perfectionist]

Hanson has played 17 seasons for the Lions. As a Lions fan (the Cards are my 2nd favorite team) as long as Hanson can play, I want him on the Lions.

Wow, not sure how long the Cards have been your second favorite team, but I can only imagine how much flack you caught when you said I am a Lions fan and a Cardinal fan.

At least the Cards have to give you some real hope that your Lions can soon be scratched off the list of teams not having played in a Super Bowl.

 

[DeAnna]

Didn't Atlanta Falcons do the same thing? franchised their kicker - or was it their punter?

 

[Unsterblich856]

Didn't Atlanta Falcons do the same thing? franchised their kicker - or was it their punter?

Punter. He was a great punter too, he had an incredible amount of hangtime that would give the special teams enough time to surround the PR and force him to fair call. He only allowed 44 return yards.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]