A record 21 players received the franchise tag this offseason, and 12 of them got new multiyear contracts, including Matt Forté, Josh Scobee and Ray Rice, who all signed on the July 16 deadline. Connor Barth, Tyvon Branch, Drew Brees, Calais Campbell, Michael Griffin, DeSean Jackson, Robert Mathis, Matt Prater and Steve Weatherford also signed long-term deals.

When that deadline passed, nine players knew they would play the 2012 season on a one-year franchise tender. The price tag of the franchise designation is a pay raise for each player in terms of base salary, but like all NFL players, each would prefer the security of a long-term deal.

Here is a look at the nine players who will play the 2012 season under the franchise tag and their outlook for next offseason. (Players are listed alphabetically.)

DE Cliff Avril / Lions — Avril was outspoken about his situation when he didn’t get a long-term deal. He has said he will play in 2012, but as of presstime, he had not signed his tender and missed the start of camp. His tag is worth $10.605 million, and Avril, who had 11 sacks last season, could create bidding wars next spring with teams always looking for top pass rushers. However, he could get tagged again in ’13.

WR Dwayne Bowe / Chiefs — Bowe has yet to sign his franchise tender and the two sides reportedly aren’t close regarding a long-term deal. GM Scott Pioli wants value, and Bowe wants big money. It’s not likely Bowe remains in K.C. after 2012, especially if ’11 first-round WR Jon Baldwin realizes his great potential in ’12 as the team expects.