Ravens slap franchise tag on Suggs

Ravens slap franchise tag on Suggs
The Baltimore Ravens designated two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs as their franchise player Tuesday, a move that prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the month. Suggs will be paid a one-year contract of $8.065 million, the average salary of the five highest paid linebackers in the NFL last season according to NFL Players Association figures.

Niners cut longtime leading tackler Smith
The San Francisco 49ers waived linebacker Derek Smith on Tuesday, cutting ties with their longtime leading tackler whose role was assumed last season by rookie Patrick Willis. Smith, an 11-year pro who signed a three-year contract extension before the 2006 season, was due to make $3.28 million in base salary next season despite his dwindling role on the San Francisco defense. Willis, the NFL's defensive rookie of the year, took over Smith's role as the 49ers' defensive leader and top tackler.

Report: Pats offer contract to ex-Dolphin Thomas
The New England Patriots offered former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas a contract Monday, according to a report in the Miami Herald.

Chiefs place franchise tag on sack leader Allen
The Kansas City Chiefs put a franchise tag on defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season despite being suspended for the first two games. The Chiefs and Allen have been unable to work out a contract for almost a year. The Chiefs said Tuesday they had franchised Allen, who had 15 1/2 sacks last season. He was suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions.

Scouting Combine Preview: Linebackers
LSU's Ali Highsmith is among the best LBs in the draft. But who is No. 1? Scout.com breaks down the next generation at the position.