As others have said this is just about positional value. Off-ball LBs get lumped in with more valuable pass rushing OLBs and so their franchise tags and fifth year options are completely out of alignment with their value.
Underpaid tenders
Safeties who play man coverage (CB playing on S tag)
Receiving TEs (WR production at half the price)
Overpaid tenders
Off-ball LBs (lumped into LB with edge rushers)
Centers (lumped into OL with OTs)
Run stuffing DL (lumped into DE/DT with pass rushers)
Guards (lumped into OL with OTs)
It used to be that slot WR and nickel CB could be lumped into that overpaid list, but those positions continue to grow into full fledged starting roles for most teams. "Outside Nickel CB" is a modern term coined specifically because your third best CB may now play at outside CB in nickel situations where one of your outside starters shifts inside to the slot position.
Underpaid tenders
Safeties who play man coverage (CB playing on S tag)
Receiving TEs (WR production at half the price)
Overpaid tenders
Off-ball LBs (lumped into LB with edge rushers)
Centers (lumped into OL with OTs)
Run stuffing DL (lumped into DE/DT with pass rushers)
Guards (lumped into OL with OTs)
It used to be that slot WR and nickel CB could be lumped into that overpaid list, but those positions continue to grow into full fledged starting roles for most teams. "Outside Nickel CB" is a modern term coined specifically because your third best CB may now play at outside CB in nickel situations where one of your outside starters shifts inside to the slot position.
