No franchise tag for Eagles' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, source says

It is "very unlikely" that the Eagles will use the franchise-player tag on any of their seven unrestricted free agents, according to a league source. That group includes cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who was likely the only player under consideration.

The franchise tag helps teams keep unrestricted free agents without having to reach a long-term deal, but they must pay them the average of the top five salaries for players at their position if the player accepts. Teams are compensated with two first-round draft picks if another team signs the player.

Teams were able to start using the tag on Monday and have until March 4.

In the case of Rodgers-Cromartie, the Eagles would have been required to pay him about $10.7 million. The Eagles could still bring back Rodgers-Cromartie, whose physical skills are attractive despite his inconsistent production.

But the Eagles would probably want to keep him at a price less burdensome than $10.7 million this season. Considering Rodgers-Cromartie's skills and that he's only 26, there will likely be a robust market for his services. If he leaves, the Eagles would need to rebuild the position. They will also have a decision to make about cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha's contract.

Free agency begins on March 12. The other unrestricted free agents on the Eagles roster are long snapper Jon Dorenbos; offensive linemen King Dunlap and Jake Scott; defensive linemen Darryl Tapp and Derek Landri; and linebacker Akeem Jordan.