A couple of playmaking defenders were named franchise players by their NFL teams yesterday.
The Kansas City Chiefs made defensive end Jared Allen, who led the league in sacks last season despite being suspended for the first two games, their franchise player.
The Baltimore Ravens placed the designation on two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, a move that prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the month.
The Chiefs have been unable to work out a contract for almost a year with Allen, who had 15 1/2 sacks last season. He was suspended because of multiple DUI convictions.
Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Allen will make almost $9 million next season, the average of the five highest-paid DEs in the NFL. If another club then signs Allen, it would have to compensate the Chiefs with two first-round draft picks. Kansas City also would have the right to match the contract.
Suggs will be paid $8.065 million for one year.
Colts tag Clark
According to ESPN.com, the Indianapolis Colts, after failing to reach a long-term contract with Dallas Clark, placed the franchise tag on the tight end. The one-year franchise tender for the position is $4.522 million . . . It was announced yesterday that Indianapolis will bid for the 2012 Super Bowl . . . The man accused of planning to shoot people at Super Bowl XLII was indicted on six counts of sending threatening communications, according to documents filed in federal court in Phoenix. Kurt William Havelock, 35, turned himself in to authorities Feb. 3 after driving within sight of University of Phoenix Stadium during the Super Bowl with a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition. He said he changed his mind. Havelock told authorities he was upset that the city of Tempe denied him a liquor license application for a bar.49ers waive Smith
The San Francisco 49ers waived linebacker Derek Smith, 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. Willis, the NFL's defensive rookie of the year, took over Smith's role as the 49ers' defensive leader and top tackler . . . Safety Artrell Hawkins, 31, who last played in 2006 with the Patriots, signed with the New York Jets . . . The Carolina Panthers franchised right tackle Jordan Gross, with the team offering Gross a one-year contract for $7.45 million . . . Houston Texans receiver Jerome Mathis was arrested and charged with choking his pregnant common-law wife. Deputies went to Mathis's home Friday in Manvel, about 25 miles south of Houston, after getting a 911 call. Erica Smith told deputies the player had pushed her onto a bed and started choking her. The 26-year-old woman refused medical treatment but said she is six months pregnant.
