The tag system gets stretched to the limits. I think it's a big reason why teams want to sign guys to long term deals. If you lock somebody up for 5-7 years you can use your tag on your best freeagent instead of your best player. Saavy front office staffs always find ways to use any system to their advantage.

The Colts just signed Reggie Wayne to a six year deal for this very reason. With Wayne locked in for six years they free up their franchise tag for someone else.