Quote:I just want to know why there is such a thing as the transition tag?

 

The whole point of ditching restricted free agents (for the most part) was to give the players freedom. Mack is practically being held hostage. 

 

One can make a case that it's better to receive the Transition Tag than the Franchise Tag.  While the tender is higher with the Franchise Tag,  it's rare that a non-exclusive Franchise Tagged player gets an offer sheet.   If he signs the Franchise Tag,  while he's guaranteed the amount of the tender offer,  if the player suffers a major injury,  his future bargaining leverage could be severely impacted in an adverse manner.   A player who receives the Transition Tag has a noticeably greater chance to receive an offer sheet.   At least with an offer sheet,  he will get much more long term security,  even if he prefers the team he was with previously doesn't match the offer sheet.

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