Last year the 49ers placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, who was coming off a very strong 2009 season and wanted a long-term contract. But given his age, the 49ers tagged him instead and he received a one-year salary of just more than $7 million.

The 49ers could again tag Franklin but with salaries on the rise at defensive tackle, the price could be $10-$12 million next year. Franklin had a decent year this season but nothing compared to 2009. I think the 49ers would prefer to invest that kind of money in a younger player with a long-term future rather than someone who turns 31 in August.

There are five other starters the 49ers have that will become free-agents March 4, assuming there is no lockout, but none is worthy of the franchise tag. They include center David Baas, safety Dashon Goldson, outside linebacker Manny Lawson, quarterback Alex Smith and inside linebacker Takeo Spikes. I hope the 49ers re-sign everyone minus Smith, but none should get the franchise tag.

If tagged, Baas, Spikes, Lawson and Goldson would make around $10 million per year while Smith would make upwards of $17 million. Baas and Goldson played well enough to get re-signed but not well enough to be paid top-five money at their positions. Lawson was an integral part of the defense but as a part-time starter he would not be worth a franchise tag. Spikes was a fulltime starter and played well but he is in the twilight of his career.

I won’t even go into all the reasons why the 49ers should not re-sign Smith but they can't be dumb enough to franchise-tag Smith for around $17 million a year.

But even if it's not Smith, the 49ers would be wise to stay off the franchise tag bandwagon this off-season.

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-- ERIC MELENDEZ
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