Calais Campbell prime target for franchise tag in Arizona

Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves didn’t refer to the franchise tag but he did say defensive end Calais Campbell will be with the team in 2012.

With Campbell set to be an unrestricted free agent March 13, you can figure out what will happen if a long-term extension cannot be struck soon. Clubs are allowed to use the franchise tag beginning Monday and running through March 5, and Campbell is expected to be wearing one absent a deal.

According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, Graves made the assurances on KTAR. It will cost roughly $10 million to place the tag on Campbell, not a prohibitive amount for the club.

Per the report, the Cardinals would like to get a long-term deal done. Campbell, who is coming off a season with eight sacks and 11 passes defended, is only 25. He’s just coming into his prime and the club wants him to realize that potential in Arizona.

It’s going to take a big pay day to get it done. The Cardinals will work toward that.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Upcoming Games