Monday was the deadline for NFL teams to place their franchise tags on free agents and a few teams took advantage of the opportunity. We’re going to examine who was indeed tagged and what it means going forward.

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

As a surprise to few, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Dez Bryant. Bryant established himself as one of the very best, if not the best wide receiver in football and with his off the field uncertainty, the tag was the best move that Dallas could make.

What does it mean? The ‘Boys will let running back DeMarco Murray hit the free agent market and it’s likely that all-time single season franchise record holder in yards gained will find a new workplace. Murray is seen in NFL circles largely as a good back who benefited greatly from the Cowboys tremendous offensive line play. Look for him to get a contract somewhere in the neighborhood of $5-6 million per year.

Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs

Franchising Houston was the only thing that the Chiefs could have done after the talented outside linebacker finished last season with 22 sacks, the second highest total in NFL history. Houston will earn roughly $13.2 million.

What does it mean? Kansas City probably won’t be too active in free agency as they’re tight against the salary cap, but you can expect them to gain some cap relief by releasing wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and possibly restructuring the contract of quarterback Alex Smith.

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos

The Broncos made their outside Thomas their free agent priority and that comes as very little surprise. Thomas has been very productive, putting up a minimum of 1,400 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.

What does it mean? Pro Bowl tight end Julius Thomas will likely hit the open market and there should be line of suitors for his services, including the team with the most cap space and a huge need at the position, the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the Broncos lose Julius Thomas in free agency, look for the team to address the vacancy early in April’s NFL Draft, possibly with Minnesota’s Maxx Williams.

Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

The Giants had a bad defense in 2014, but they had no choice but to tag their best defensive player, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. JPP led the team with 12.5 sacks and will earn nearly $15 million in salary.

What does it mean? The Giants will be fairly tight against the cap, having just $10 million to spend to improve a defense that finished 29th in the league last year. Look for another bad Big Blue defense.

Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots

The Patriots felt so strongly about their kicker that they will bring him back for another season under the franchise tag. This was somewhat of a surprise as the team still has to come to terms with safety Devin McCourty. He will earn approximately $4.56 million.

What does it mean? The Patriots are likely very close to a deal to bring safety Devin McCourty back, as they wouldn’t “waste” the tag on a kicker with a much more important player hanging in the balance.

Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins (Transition Tag)

The Miami Dolphins decided to transition tag tight end Charles Clay, meaning that they can match any offer Clay would get in free agency. The transition tag will pay Clay a minimum of $7.7 million for 2015.

What does it mean? The Dolphins have been on a transaction spree lately, releasing both wide receivers Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline, and today they let go of cornerback Cortland Finnegan. General manager Dennis Hickey is putting his stamp on this team and it’s being reported that the ‘Fins are shopping wide receiver Mike Wallace.