The Ravens aren't going to let linebacker Terrell Suggs hit the open market when free agency begins at the end of the month.
"We will be using the franchise tag on Terrell if we don't have a long-term deal in place between now and then," general manager Ozzie Newsome said yesterday.
Despite having a career-low five sacks last season, Suggs would be one of the most sought-after free agents this year.
By using the tag on Suggs, the Ravens would give him a one-year contract worth $8.065 million, the average of the five highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.
If another team makes an offer to Suggs (which is unlikely to happen), the Ravens can match it or receive two first-round picks as compensation.
The deadline to assign the franchise tag is Feb. 21.
Suggs' agent, Gary Wichard, did not return phone calls.
There are three major reasons the Ravens are holding on to Suggs:
He has elite pass-rushing skills. Few players can match his power and explosion, which force offenses to shift protection schemes his way. Still, Suggs has averaged nine sacks in five seasons, and his 45 career sacks rank third in Ravens history.
He is only 25. In his short time with the Ravens, Suggs has worked to be a complete linebacker, one who is a force against the run as well as the pass. The two-time Pro Bowl selection still has upside, and there is a chance he could develop into a unique player.
He is dependable. Suggs has prided himself in never missing a game in his five-year career (80 games). Suggs' toughness is one of the most underrated parts of his game.
For these reasons, the Ravens have been trying to secure Suggs with a long-term deal for months.
Neither side has discussed the negotiations publicly, but it is believed that Suggs wants a deal close to the one given to Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney (a six-year, $72 million extension that includes $30 million in guaranteed money). Wichard also represents Freeney.
The Ravens likely are looking at the contract signed last offseason by former Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas (a five-year, $35 million deal that includes $20 million in guaranteed money).
It is not believed that the sides are close to an agreement.
"We remain in negotiations," Newsome said. "I won't discuss when we've had talks."
The Ravens, who reportedly have between $5 million and $6 million in salary cap room, will have to create additional space before placing the franchise tag on Suggs.
Newsome said the team wouldn't release any players to do so. That means the Ravens will have to restructure some contracts, which isn't considered a major hurdle.
"We rework contracts every year," Newsome said.
Because of the Ravens' limited cap room, Suggs' franchising could represent the team's biggest move this offseason.
It is unknown how Suggs would react to receiving the tag. Some players -such as Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister in 2004 - protest the tag by skipping training camp.
Suggs stirred up the Ravens' fan base last month when he told Phoenix reporters he would "love to be a Cardinal." But a day after the Ravens' season ended, Suggs stressed that he wanted to remain with the team.
"I've always said and believe in my heart that I'm a Raven," Suggs said. "I love the city of Baltimore."
Note -- The Ravens are expected to announce that Chuck Pagano and Greg Mattison have been hired as assistant coaches. They have not yet signed contracts, but their schools confirmed the hirings. Pagano was North Carolina's defensive coordinator and also coached defensive backs. Mattison was Florida's co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
jamison.hensley@baltsun.com