I'm all for using the franchise tag on him. Then explore a trade. The Falcons gave up a 2nd round pick for Gonzo when he was 31, should be able to get similar compensation for Finley.
People who understand football know why they need to sign him. Maybe they won without him but with him they went 15-1 and had one of the best offensive regular seasons of all time. Its no coincidance.
That's funny Packers 500. I respectfully disagree. He has a chance to be a special player no doubt about it, but his head may very well get in the way. He was in a contract year, when most players give their best effort with their eyes on $, and he played like an average tight end at best. Stats to back it up: http://www.nfl.com/stats/categoryst ats?archive=false&conference=null&statisticPositionCategory=TIGHT _END&season=2011&seasonType=REG&experience=null&tabSeq=1&qualified=true&Submit=Go His attitude could and most likely will cause a major problem in the future. His drops could cost us a game (if they already haven't). If he wants to be paid like a receiver, he should be traded. If he wants to be paid like the #1 tight end, he should be traded.
... he played like an average tight end at best...
Good research Oneosuhater. Based on catches, he didn't even break the top 10. Yeah, but surely he blocked like a pro bowler - NOT. I could understand if he had Rex Grossman, Andy Dalton or Alex Smith throwing to him but he had Aaron Rodgers tossing the rock. The point being that Jermichael didn't distinguish himself enough to warrant a big contract or even a franchise tag for that matter. Is he our new A.J. Hawk?
