CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on two-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil, a move that will help keep the core of the offensive line intact but will also make two other key players unrestricted free agents.
Tuesday’s move means Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams and defensive end Charles Johnson will likely become two of the more sought after players when the NFL and the union reach a labor deal and free agency begins.
Kalil will be offered a one-year, guaranteed deal worth more than $10 million. If the current franchise tag rules remain under the new labor deal, another team could sign Kalil only by giving Carolina two first-round draft picks.
The 25-year-old Kalil made his second straight Pro Bowl this season.
