Roundup: Seahawks don't use tag on Shaquill Griffin, Chris Carson

The Seattle Seahawks have cap space to clear to attempt to rework their team into a competitive one with an effective offensive line, meaning the franchise tag isn't a tool they're using in 2021.

They weren't going to use it on cornerback Shaquill Griffin, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the situation. The Seahawks will work to retain Griffin in free agency, Rapoport added, as Griffin will attract interest in a thin free-agent market at the position.

Seattle also did not use the tag to keep running back Chris Carson, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Carson has served as Seattle's lead runner for the last three seasons and carries plenty of value for Pete Carroll's desire to establish and rely on an effective rushing attack, making his potential departure a significant one for the Seahawks.

The window to remake its cap situation is now for Seattle. We'll see if the Seahawks can get it done and keep their key guys, even without using the expensive tag.

Here are other stories Around The NFL is monitoring Tuesday:

• Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer told reporters cornerback C.J. Henderson is recovering from labrum surgery. The Jaguars used their franchise tag on offensive tackle Cam Robinson, the team announced.
• Soon to be free-agent linebacker Jayon Brown received full and unrestricted medical clearance Friday from renowned elbow specialist Dr. Shawn O'Driscoll, Pelissero reported. The fourth-year veteran was in the midst of another strong season for the Titans before breaking his elbow in November. He'll be one of the top players available at his position.
• The Chicago Bears placed the franchise tag on star receiver Allen Robinson, per Rapoport.
• The Carolina Panthers have officially placed the franchise tag on offensive lineman Taylor Moton. One of the best players on the team's roster, Moton, 26, has started every game each of the last three seasons.
• The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran guard James Carpenter, Pelissero and Rapoport reported.
• The Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin. Tampa Bay also agreed to terms with star linebacker Lavonte David on a two-year contract extension worth $25 million, per Rapoport. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo added the totality of the deal is for five years with three voidable seasons, which keeps his cap number at a manageable $3.5 million for 2021. The team tendered the following exclusive rights free agents: tight end Tanner Hudson, defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter, defensive lineman Pat O'Connor and long snapper Zach Triner.
• The Tennessee Titans have informed cornerback Malcolm Butler of his release, Rapoport reported. A two-time Super Bowl winner and one-time Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots, Butler was a starter with the Titans for the past three seasons. Butler was three years into a five-year, $61.25 million deal and his release saves the Titans more than $10 million versus the cap, Rapoport added.

Tennessee did not franchise tag tight end Jonnu Smith, Rapoport reported, per an informed source. Smith, 25, recorded career highs in receptions (41), receiving yards (448) and touchdowns (8) in 2020. The team also announced the signing of wide receiver Marcus Johnson.

• The Cleveland Browns have terminated the contract of defensive end Adrian Clayborn. He started in two of his 15 appearances in 2020, compiling 12 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
• The L.A. Chargers did not franchise tag tight end Hunter Henry, Rapoport reported, per informed sources. The 26-year-old Henry recorded a career-high 60 receptions for 613 yards and four scores in 14 starts.
• The New York Giants franchise tagged defensive lineman Leonard Williams, Rapoport reported. The Giants also announced several staff moves: Rob Sale will be the new offensive line coach, former Giants OL coach Pat Flaherty will come aboard as a consultant; Derek Dooley will take over tight end coaching duties from Freddie Kitchens, who will now serve as a senior offensive assistant. Jeremy Pruitt is the Giants' new senior defensive assistant.
• The New England Patriots have a deal in place to acquire Raiders offensive lineman Trent Brown, per Rapoport.
• The Detroit Lions did not use the franchise tag on wide receiver Kenny Golladay, per Pelissero, or defensive end Romeo Okwara, per Rapoport.
• The Minnesota Vikings released kicker Dan Bailey after three seasons. The 10th-year veteran made a career low 68.2% of his field goals in 2020.
• The New Orleans Saints put the franchise tag on safety Marcus Williams, per Rapoport.
• The Philadelphia Eagles announced they have released safety Blake Countess and defensive tackle Treyvon Hester.
• Cincinnati Bengals sack leader Carl Lawson will head to free agency after not being franchise-tagged, Rapoport reported, per an informed source. The Bengals would still like to retain Lawson, who recorded 5.5 sacks and 36 tackles last season, Rapoport added.

Quarterback Brandon Allen is re-signing with the Bengals on a one-year deal, Pelissero reported Tuesday. Having made five starts in 2020, Allen is familiar with head coach's Zac Taylor's offense and helped mentor Joe Burrow, Pelissero added. The 28-year-old Allen got his first starting experience in 2019 with the Broncos before moving to the Bengals in 2020 and now he'll be back as Burrow makes his comeback from a season-ending 2020 knee injury.

• The Houston Texans have waived fullback Cullen Gillaspia. A seventh-round pick in 2019, Gillaspia spent the majority of his time in Houston on special teams.
• Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Chase Allen intends to return to play in 2021, Pelissero reported Tuesday. Allen, 27, hasn't played since 2018 due to foot injuries and surgery, but is back to 100%, Pelissero added. Allen had five starts over two seasons with the Fins in 2017 and 2018.