The franchise tage didn't stop the Colts from reaching a deal with TE Dallas Clark. After franchise tagging Clark on Tuesday, the Colts have now freed up some '08 cap space. Clark is more of a wide receiver than a tight end, but he perfectly fits what the Colts do on offense.

Clark, who caught 58 passes for 616 yards (10.6 YPC) and a career best 11 TDs in 2007, is the sixth player to be franchised so far. Because he has a long injury history and the franchise number for tight ends ($4.522 million) is so workable, the Colts may hold off another year before locking Clark up.

He becomes the second tight end to have the franchise tag placed on him this offseason, joining L.J. Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles.

FRANCHISE PLAYERS (designated so far this offseason)
DT - Albert Haynesworth - TEN
DE - Jarrod Allen - KC
LB - Terrell Suggs - BAL
TE - Dallas Clark - IND
LB - Karlos Dansby - ARI
RT - Jordan Gross - CAR
TE - L.J. Smith - PHI
OL - Stacey Andrews - CIN

Teams have until February 21st to tag players so expect this to grow. The salary level offered by the player's previous team determines what type of franchise or transition player he is. Clubs can designate one franchise player or one transition player in any given year.

There are two types of franchise players, "exclusive" and "non-exclusive."

TOP PAID PLAYERS BY POSITION

NFL franchise tags, dallas clark