Chiefs put franchise tag on Allen, who wants to stay

Updated: February 19, 2008, 11:42 AM ET

The Chiefs put their franchise tag on defensive end Jared Allen.

Allen

That's no surprise to Allen, who has been hoping for a long-term deal with the Chiefs but knew they wouldn't let him hit the free-agent market. Allen, 25, was the NFL sacks leader with 15½ sacks even though he played only 14 games.

Allen was suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions.

Two weeks ago at the Pro Bowl, Allen discussed the likelihood he would be franchised.

The one-year tender for a franchise defensive end is $8.879 million. For any team that tries to sign him, they would have to forfeit two first-round picks if the Chiefs elect not to match an outside offer.

If Allen doesn't get a long-term deal by mid-July, he has said he would not sign a long-term deal in the future. Allen likes the city. He likes the coach, Herm Edwards. He wants to stay a Chief for a long period of time. For the moment, though, he is under a one-year offer while both sides try to work on long-term security.

Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.