Franchise tag question...

[TheKraftyOne]

I'm not sure if this has been asked and answered but, does a team signing a non-exclusive franchise player have to give up two of their own picks or can they part with one acquired in a trade? There was a lot of grumbling last year when the Pats gave up their later pick and kept the one they used on Mayo. I'm not sure if there was ever a stated reason why Goodell didn't force the earlier pick to be forfeited or if it has a bearing on the question. It could force the Lions to give up the 1st pick overall if there is some hard and fast rule about it instead of #20, unless there's a trade.

 

[Metaphors]

A team has to give up a pick in the round at their assigned position or better. So if Detroit signs a franchise player, they would have to use #1 in the transaction. Any talk about Detroit going after Cassel using #20 was via trade.

 

[TheKraftyOne]

A team has to give up a pick in the round at their assigned position or better. So if Detroit signs a franchise player, they would have to use #1 in the transaction. Any talk about Detroit going after Cassel using #20 was via trade.

Hmm, smells like someone could be cooking with Curry...as in the LB.