The Denver Broncos have until next Tuesday to use the franchise tag on linebacker Von Miller. However, if the two sides are able to reach a long-term agreement, the tag could go to defensive end Malik Jackson. As of now, though, that seems unlikely which means Jackson should hit the open market once free agency opens next month. As a 26-year-old coming off a five sack, 21 QB hurry season, he will be highly sought after for teams in need of some extra pass-rushing oomph. The cash flush Jacksonville Jaguars have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, but the Chicago Bears make a lot more sense.
Jackson spent the first three seasons of his career under current Bears head coach John Fox. His familiarity with Fox's defensive system would suggest that a reunion is not only possible, but also beneficial. The only snag is money. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Jackson is seeking a $12 million annual salary on the open market. Now Jackson is a good young player, but does he deserve to be paid more than New Orleans' Cameron Jordan and Arizona's Calais Campbell? Biggs doesn't believe Bears general manager Ryan Pace thinks so.
"...even with the Bears' plentiful salary-cap space, [Jackson's $12 million a year demands] might be putting too many eggs in one basket, as Pace put it in January," Biggs wrote.
Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported Tuesday that the Broncos have offered Jackson a five-year deal "north of an average of $10 million a year." The franchise tag would cost roughly $15 million against the salary cap. The final tally will likely fall somewhere in between those two numbers.
Pace knows Chicago needs help on defense and he knows that he has plenty of money to spend this offseason. But spending wisely is always the most important course of action when wading into free agency. Is Jackson worth that kind of money? We'll have to wait to find out.
