Raiders' Seymour set to get franchise tag again

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This time last year, the Raiders tried and failed to sign defensive lineman Richard Seymour to a three-year extension. They couldn't agree on the numbers, so Seymour signed a one-year deal for $12.4 million as an exclusive-rights franchise player.

Seymour had a Pro Bowl season and his deal is up again - but in a much messier environment.

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement is up March 3, and owners are threatening to lock out players if they don't sign a new deal that the owners have in mind.

Where does that leave Seymour? Tag, he's it.

The NFL told teams they can use the franchise tag again starting today. And sometime in the 14-day window, the Raiders are expected to tag Seymour once again.

League sources anticipate Oakland giving the 32-year-old Seymour a one-year, $14.9 million contract. The figure is based on the average of the top-five salaries at his position, plus a 20-percent raise for receiving the exclusive-rights franchise tag two years in a row.

Both owner Al Davis and new head coach Hue Jackson have talked glowingly of Seymour this offseason. And they probably don't want to risk letting Seymour walk just as the Patriots are using the first-round pick (No. 17) the Raiders gave them for Seymour in 2009.

As for Seymour, he is happy in Oakland.

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders smiles from the sidelines in the closing minutes of his team's 28-13 win over the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. less SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders smiles from the sidelines in the closing minutes of his team's 28-13 win over the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game at Qualcomm ... more Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images Photo: Donald Miralle, Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Raiders' Seymour set to get franchise tag again 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

He moved from end to tackle last season, and the defensive line was one of the driving forces behind an 8-8 season - a three-game improvement from 2009. He took on a leadership role with the younger players, and late in the season he said, "I see myself retiring as a Raider."

The interesting thing is that the Raiders would seem to have attractive, cheaper alternatives to Seymour. Second-year end Lamarr Houston could move inside, and third-year tackle Desmond Bryant played well when Seymour was hurt the last two weeks of the season.

Davis used similar logic when he spoke Jan. 18 about Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who would have cost Oakland $17 million next season if his contract hadn't been voided automatically.

"Can that $17 million bring you two or three quality players to help you win?" Davis said.

Asomugha, a free agent, is not eligible to be tagged, as part of his contract voiding.