As Steelguy reported on Fanshots about 10 minutes ago, John Clayton just reported that the Steelers slapped the Franchise tag on Max Starks. He will make $8.451 million this coming season. Here is the info below:
For the second consecutive season, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks received the team's franchise tag -- even though he isn't guaranteed a job as a starter.
Starks became the 13th NFL player tagged before the 4 p.m. ET deadline for such designation. He received a one-year tender at $8.451 million. Last year, Starks had a $6.985 million franchise tender. The franchise number given to Starks this year was based on the average of the top-five cap numbers of offensive linemen around the league from last season.
Any team wishing to sign Starks would have to surrender two first-round draft picks, but the Steelers would have seven days to match any offer and, thus, keep him.
Despite being franchised last year, Starks started the regular season on the bench. Left tackle Marvel Smith had back problems during the season and Starks took over the position and helped the Steelers to their sixth Super Bowl title.
Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.