DT Haloti Ngata franchised by Ravens

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The Baltimore Ravens have elected to apply the franchise tag to defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, the team announced Tuesday.

Ngata registered 65 tackles and was second on the team with a career-high 5½ sacks.

"The tender allows us to secure Haloti as a Raven right now," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome stated. "As we have said, our intention is to enter into a long-term contract with him. We want him to be a Raven."

The last two players to be franchised by the Ravens (Terrell Suggs in 2008 and 2009, and Chris McAlister in 2003 and 2004) each received long-term deals from the club.

By franchising the two-time Pro Bowler, the Ravens agree to pay the average of the top salaries at his position in 2011, that number could be as high as $12.5 million.

Of the players given franchise tags by their teams so far, only Peyton Manning and Michael Vick received the "exclusive" designation, barring them from talking with other teams. The "non-exclusive" designation, which Ngata received, means he can negotiate with other teams but the Ravens would have the right to match the offer or receive two first-round picks if he signs elsewhere.

With a new collective bargaining agreement still being negotiated, there is a chance the franchise designation will cease to exist after the current CBA expires on March 4.

Ngata has missed just two games since being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2006 draft by Baltimore.

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