Max Starks and the Franchise Tag

As most everyone knows by now the Steelers have designated Max Starks as a non-exclusive franchise player. According to a press release from the NFL

"[i]f the player is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries of last season at his position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, he becomes a “non-exclusive” franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club’s offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match. The signing period for franchise players to sign with new clubs is February 27 until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 17)."

Unlike last season's move to slap a transition tag on Mr. Starks, we see this a prudent move (though it is hard to argue with how well the move worked out). For all intents-and-purposes Mr. Starks will remain in Pittsburgh (what team is going to give up two first round draft picks?).

According to the league there are no potential free agents who have received the exclusive franchise tag. Here is a list from the league of the franchise players:

Club	Player	Position
Arizona	Karlos Dansby	LB
Atlanta	Michael Koenen	P
Baltimore	Terrell Suggs	LB
Carolina	Julius Peppers	DE
Cincinnati	Shayne Graham	K
Houston	Dunta Robinson	DB
New England	Matt Cassel	QB
New York Giants	Brandon Jacobs	RB
Pittsburgh	Max Starks	T
San Diego	Darren Sproles	RB
St. Louis	Oshiomogho Atogwe	DB
Seattle	Leroy Hill	LB
Tampa Bay	Antonio Bryant	WR
Tennessee	Bo Scaife	TE