Defensive tackle Henry Melton told the Tribune the Bears placed the franchise tag on him Friday evening. Monday at 3 p.m. was the deadline for teams to designate a player with the franchise tag. The franchise tag for defensive tackles is $8.45 million, according to Albert Breer from the NFL Network. The Bears and Melton still have the ability to work out a long-term deal, but the sides apparently are very far apart. Such a long-term deal would be more cap-friendly for the Bears with the salary cap reportedly set at $123 million. Source: Chicago Tribune