Donovan Darius gets franchise tag

[Chrisbob74]

I have seen a few people comment about upgrading at SS, this guy was the top player at that position on the market, but now he has been tagged again:

Darius gets the franchise tag

Jaguars again franchise Darius

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Jacksonville Jaguars Tuesday designated safety Donovin Darius as their franchise player for the third straight year.

If he accepts the Jaguars' offer, Darius will receive a one-year contract worth $4,968,000, a number equaling the average of last year's top five salaries at his position. The seven-year pro still has the right to negotiate with other teams, but Jacksonville would be able to match any offer sheet and would receive two compensatory first-round draft choices if it declines.

Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its Players Association, Darius and the Jaguars can still work out a long-term contract until March 16.

Darius was selected by Jacksonville with the 25th overall pick of the 1998 draft and has started all 103 games in which he has played during his seven seasons. The hard-hitting defensive back was a first alternate to the Pro Bowl in 2002 and a second alternate the previous year.

The 29-year-old Darius tied for the team lead with five interceptions in 2004 and ranked third among Jags players with 87 total tackles, including 59 solo stops.

Jacksonville also signed veteran offensive tackle Brent Smith on Tuesday. The 31-year-old has appeared in 57 career games and made 30 starts in eight NFL seasons with Miami and the New York Jets. Smith played in four contests and made one start with the Jets last year.

02/22 15:10:33 ET

[BIGGS_DADDY]

He and ST would be a nightmare 1-2 punch, but I can't see tying up that much money on safeties.