Why am I not shocked you think it makes sense to use the franchise tag on Meriweather? Outside of the fact that he's signed through 2012.
Well, according to Miguel, whom I trust over any other source, Meriweather is signed through 2011. So we both suck. So take whatever insult you want to throw at me, apply it to yourself as well, and let's move on.
The question is what are the various scenarios.
If Mankins is resigned but the 2011 tackle position is not satisfactory; a franchise tag is viable if you don't want to committ to 2 or 3 years. $11 million is steep but left tackles are the high paid guys on the line.
By signing Light to a multi-year extension, you're not committing to sh!t. You can cut him the next year and only be on the hook for signing bonus. First year salary + signing bonus will probably be less than 11 mil. Plus if Light ends up being your best option the next year, you have him under control instead of franchising him again.
If Mankins leaves, Light will be in a much better negotiating position. What if his demands are too high? Franchise should be considered.
Besides, It is my belief that Light is undervalued here. There is less risk franchising Light than there was Cassel based on Oline needs in the league. If Light was franchised in an unsettled situation, it should be easier to reach a settlement satisfactory to the Patriots, Light, and the other team.
Is Light undervalued by the fan base? Possibly. But in no way is there less risk than there was in franchising Matt Cassel. Cassel was a free agent coming off of an 11 win season in a league where quality quarterbacking is hard to come by. If you believe that Matt Light has equal demand, I don't know what to tell you, other than a
possible franchise QB has a lot more value than a league-average offensive tackle. You talk as if Oline needs around the league are greater than QB needs around the league.
How many teams are not looking for Oline help?
Every team, including the Pats. It doesn't mean they would pay an average OT a top 4 salary.
What is the tackle replacement plan?
What is Mankins plan?
What are Light's demands?
There is a difference between probability and possibility. Possible Light franchising:
Mankins stays, Light demands too high, 2011 draft and/or trade does not produce good replacement.
Mankins goes, Light demands too high, want year to acclimate new guard.
2012 has much better left tackle replacement.
Still doesn't justify overpaying Light. And this is all irrelevant to your original point, which was to franchise Light and try to trade him, not franchise Light and keep him.
