The Green Bay Packers effectively kept defensive tackle Corey Williams off the free-agent market today by designating him their franchise player. The Tennessee Titans did the same with Albert Haynesworth. If the tag sticks, both stand to make at least $6.363 million for the upcoming season. Why should you care? It means that Isaac Sopoaga, scheduled to become a free agent Feb. 29, suddenly has even less competition on the open market. It's a supply-and-demand issue. The demand for a good DT is sky high; the supply is quite low. Which means that Sopoaga will be haggling from a very strong position. The 49ers have said they will make one final push to re-sign Sopoaga before the 29th. But if you were him, would you commit before free agency begins?
-- Matt Barrows
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