Left tackle Cordy Glenn was informed Tuesday that he would be given the franchise tag designation by the Buffalo Bills.
According to multiple reports, the Bills shared their decision with Glenn on the same day defensive end Mario Williams was told he would be released.
By signing a franchise tag tender, Glenn would receive a fully-guaranteed salary of $13.706 million for the 2016 season.
Williams, 31, had five sacks in 2015 and with two years left on his deal, was released before he counted $19.9 million against the salary cap next season. His original contract was a six-year, $100 million deal that lured Williams out of Houston. The Texans drafted Williams first overall in 2006.
Glenn, 26, was a second-round pick in 2012.
The Bills can continue negotiating toward a long-term deal with Glenn until the July 15 deadline. Many players given the franchise designation steer clear of team activities and offseason workouts and are more selective with attendance at mandatory sessions.
Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito could also enter free agency on March 9. According to reports, the Bills have become frustrated with the tone of negotiations with Incognito.