Dolphins tag Jarvis Landry and he will now have a higher cap hit than the Patriots’ top three wide receivers combined

The NFL's window to place the franchise tag on impending free agents opened yesterday and it did not take long for the first team to use it: The Miami Dolphins opted to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Due to its nature as non-exclusive, other teams can still talk to Landry's camp but if in fact a team is willing to sign him, that team would owe the Dolphins two first round draft picks.

With the franchise tag being placed on Landry, the 25-year old is now scheduled to hit Miami's salary cap with $16 million. The number, in case the two sides are unable to negotiate a long-term deal to bring it down, will be the third-highest in the NFL: Only the cap hits of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown ($17.68 million) and the Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant ($16.5 million) are higher than what Landry's will be.

The three-time Pro Bowler, as first pointed out by NEPatriotsDraft.com's Mike Loyko, will also hit his team's salary cap with more money than the New England Patriots' top three wide receivers combined: Brandin Cooks ($8.46 million), Julian Edelman ($4.17 million) and Chris Hogan ($3.18 million) will be on New England's books with a combined $15.91 million this upcoming season.

When looked at it from this perspective, it appears doubtful the Dolphins' investment is the better one especially if it does not lead to a long-term deal that spreads out the cost more effectively. It also shows how the Patriots are able to build a top-notch offensive roster despite comparatively modest financial investments.