NFL Tag Day provides intrigue and a few interesting surprises

Tag Day can have a lot of different meanings to a lot of different folks, but in NFL speak it's all about franchise and transition tags. And with the deadline at 3 p.m. Tuesday, there was all kinds of news breaking, suspicions confirmed and a few interesting surprises.

Wide receivers tagged and set free: The Chicago Bears officially used their franchise tag on Allen Robinson in what was probably the least surprising move of the day.

With significant cap issues, limited draft resources and a No. 1 receiver in the house but little depth at the position - not to mention huge needs at offensive tackle, quarterback, safety, special teams and on the defensive line - there was no way Robinson was getting away with no compensation.

[Read more: Bears use franchise tag to keep Allen Robinson under contract in 2021]

Because of their cap issues, the Bears will now continue to try to get a long-term deal done with Robinson to lessen the strain of the franchise cap hit this season. If they can't, they will listen to trade offers and prepare for him to play this season under the tag.

While Chris Godwin also was tagged by Tampa Bay, receivers Kenny Golladay, Will Fuller, Corey Davis and Sammy Watkins will all hit the open market. Though all are a notch below Robinson, the contracts they get will set the market for him and Godwin.

Only eight other players were tagged, including DT Leonard Williams (Giants), OG Brandon Scherff (Washington), FS Justin Simmons (Broncos), S Marcus Maye (Jets), S Marcus Williams (Saints), ORT Taylor Moton (Panthers) and OLT Cam Robinson (Jaguars).

Jerry and Dak move the QB market: The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones also put a franchise tag on Dak Prescott, but it's strictly a procedural move as they've agreed to a four-year, $160 million deal that will make Prescott the second-highest paid player, behind only Patrick Mahomes.

It is noteworthy, however, because Prescott is clearly not a top 5 or top 6 quarterback. The deal will absolutely drive up the price of signalcallers with Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield, all approaching deadlines on their fifth-year options and looking for long-term deals.

It also is likely to be good news for Mitch Trubisky, who obviously won't get that kind of deal but will now earn at least a bit more, particularly if he's signed to start wherever he ends up.

Even though the pickings are slim, should the Bears go the veteran free-agent route looking for companions for Nick Foles, it also will likely strain their already choking cap a bit more.

Kyle Long is coming back: The announcement that Kyle Long will be attempting a comeback should surprise no one.

Long is an outstanding athlete and as competitive as they come. He retired early due to injuries rather than being ready, and he has that nasty streak you look for in your big uglies that can't be sated on the streets or in everyday life.

[Read more: Former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long is coming out of retirement]

No, Bears fans, even though he retired a Bear he will be a free agent and unlikely to return to Chicago.

As badly as the Bears need to continue to upgrade the offensive line, they are now somewhat overstocked at guard.

And while Long is one of the best young men in the NFL, there are layers to his personality, some are trickier to navigate than others, and he has said himself he didn't handle his last days as a Bear the way he would have liked.

But, and this a huge but, I have always believed from the moment he was drafted Long's best position in the NFL would be left tackle, and he and the Bears never tried it.

Wherever Long ends up, it's going to have to be a shorter-term, prove-it deal so he won't be a cap killer.

Should the Bears not use their first-round draft choice on a tackle - shame on them if they don't - and if they and Kyle could bury the hatchet - they should because when his head is on straight he's a real asset in the locker room - if they did bring him back to take a run at Charles Leno's spot, it would be a fascinating swing for the fences that might just end up knocking one out of the park.