More likely to be franchised: Dont'a Hightower or Martellus Bennett (poll)

[Gumby]

When was BB the first to franchise a kicker? I seem to remember a good number of kickers being tagged in the past 6 or so years and the only instance of BB tagging a kicker I can remember occurred during that span. Did he franchise Vinatieri?

(Gostkowski tagged-3d time bB tagged a kicker) . . .
Meanwhile, coach Bill Belichick and the Pats didn't set any precedents on Monday; the team has tagged a kicker on two previous occasions.

In 2002 and 2005, Adam Vinatieri was franchised. The first time, he eventually signed a long-term deal. In '05, Vinatieri played under the one-year franchise tag and left for Indy after the season. ...

Here you go, good guess: AV

 

[Spiral]

Given the knee and shoulder issues that Hightower has experienced, I think it's more of a gamble signing him to a long-term deal. Therefore, I think they'll tag Hightower, and see how well he holds up next year.

 

[Bradyking12]

Franchise tag Jimmy G