This one was inevitable. About 24 hours before the deadline for clubs to exercise the franchise (or transition) tag on players, the Oakland Raiders have placed the collar on defensive end Richard Seymour.

That means the Raiders will pay Seymour $12.398 million this season, according to Ron Borges of the Boston Herald, unless a longterm extension can be worked out between the club and agent Eugene Parker. The Raiders really had no choice in the matter, not after trading a first-round draft pick in 2011 to the New England Patriots for the veteran.

Barring a dramatic turnaround by the moribund Raiders offense, the Patriots should have themselves a very nice draft pick in 2011 courtesy of the deal. The Raiders have to hope Seymour can anchor the defense for some time to come. What he’s worth to them, well, we’ll have to wait and see.

Follow me on Twitter: BradBiggs