Jeremy Thompson given franchise tag by Saskatchewan Rush

National Lacrosse League (NLL) free agency opened Wednesday and the Saskatchewan Rush have one less player to worry about re-signing.

The NLL champs placed the franchise tag on transition-defender Jeremy Thompson on Tuesday, keeping him from hitting the open market.

The franchise tag prevents him from signing with another team but it also means he will make the league maximum on a one-year deal.

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Thompson has spent the last six seasons with the Rush.

He was one of four Rush players set to become unrestricted free agents at midnight.

Goaltender Tyler Carlson, forward Dan Dawson and defender Brett Mydske are now unrestricted free agents and can sign with any team.

Mydske was re-acquired by the Rush on July 23 after being selected by the San Diego Seals in the expansion draft.

He has previously stated he does want to play anywhere but in Saskatchewan.