Correct. If any other team offers Bowe more than what the top 5 earn at his position, Bowe is gone. I don't see us matching another offer - and this is what I think management is hoping for. Just a guess.
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I could be wrong but I think you are a little confused as to the tag cost... (which before the new CBA was the top five salaries at a position averaged) ... and what we get if a team pursues a player under the franchise tag.
Any team is allowed to offer a contract to Bowe. At this point the Chiefs can match it and keep him... or let him walk and receive two first round drafts picks. So essentially for us to lose Bowe it would take a long term contract and two first round picks to acquire him....
I dont see him goin anywhere...
The league would issue a compensatory pick for losing his services. I think it is designed to keep the league competition as level as possible and so that a team doesn't suffer too big of a talent dive.
When Julius Peppers left the panthers for the bears I think the panthers got a 3rd round pick for it.
Only if we do not sign someone of better value?
2012 NFL Draft Compensatory Picks: 49ers Likely To Receive None - Niners Nation