INDIANAPOLIS -- The Baltimore Ravens placed the franchise tag on Justin Tucker, his agent said Friday, keeping the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history from reaching free agency.
The Ravens decided to use the tag on Tucker four days before Tuesday's NFL deadline to do so. The sides continued their yearlong talks at the NFL combine this week but apparently couldn't come close to reaching a long-term deal.
Tucker, 26, is the first player to get tagged this offseason and will make $4.5 million under the tag. He has converted 87.8 percent of his career field goals, which ranks second to only Dallas' Dan Bailey (90.6 percent) in NFL history.
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said Wednesday that the team would still seek a long-term deal with Tucker even if Baltimore used the tag. The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal or he will play 2016 under the tag.
Baltimore has a history of using the tag to extend negotiations. The past four players tagged by Baltimore have all signed long-term deals after receiving the tag. They are cornerback Chris McAlister, linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and running back Ray Rice.