Should Seahawks slap the franchise tag on RB Rashaad Penny?

Is running back Rashaad Penny a possible tag candidate for the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the start of NFL free agency?

The official start of NFL free agency is still a number of weeks away, but Tuesday marked the start of the window clubs can use to place either the franchise or transition tag on a player whose contract is expiring.

Like many teams around the league, the Seahawks don’t often opt to use a tag, but there have been a few exceptions. Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports took a look at all 32 clubs and proposed a possible tag option for each.

For Seattle, Kerr selected running back Rashaad Penny.

“The Seahawks should seriously consider tagging Penny after his finish to the season in 2021, showcasing how dominant Penny can be when healthy,” Kerr explains. “Penny finished his 2021 season with 119 carries for 749 yards and six touchdowns — leading the NFL with 6.3 yards per carry. In the final five games, Penny had 92 carries for 671 yards and six touchdowns — an incredible 7.3 yards per carry.”

“Seattle’s offense averaged 31.2 points per game and went 3-3 in Penny’s six starts, giving Russell Wilson immense help in the backfield down the stretch,” Kerr continued. “With Chris Carson and his injury history, the Seahawks need Penny’s explosiveness to take the pressure off Wilson.

“Paying Penny $9,570,000 and trying to work out a short-term deal is certainly worth the tag, especially when the Seahawks have $36,443,530 in available cap space.”

Seattle has until March 8 to use the tag on Penny, or another eligible player of the Seahawks’ choosing.

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