Grant Franchised

The New Orleans Saints placed the franchise tag, as expected, on DE Charles Grant on Tuesday. Sources close to the team believe they used the franchise designation for two reasons.

First, because of the weak crop of defensive ends that are projected to be in free agency which is set to begin on March 2. Second, the team didn't believe anyone currently on their roster could replace Grant in the starting lineup.

Additionally, the non-exclusive franchise tag was placed on Grant which stipulates that any team that signs him to an offer sheet would have to give up two first-round picks if the Saints decided not to match.

Grant, if he signs the franchise tender with New Orleans, will receive a guaranteed $8.644 million for the 2007 season.