Bryant Officially Tagged

As reported earlier today the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were ready to use their franchise tag if they needed to. Well, they needed to. The Bucs have announced they have officially tagged WR Antonio Bryant their 2009 franchise player.

The move likely means the sides weren't close to striking a deal on a contract extension for Bryant, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in eight days. It is now almost certain that Bryant will return to the team in 2009, unless another team decides to sign him and give up the required two first-round picks as compensation. That outcome is remote, at best.

Bryant will get a hefty payday if he signs the tender, with the tag coming along with a $9.884-million salary that becomes fully guaranteed after the deal is signed. Though it is speculated that this move was simply to buy the team some time in order to work out a long-term deal, beneficial to both sides.