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The Ravens let defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin walk away as a free agent in 2007. San Francisco wasn't about to make the same mistake. The 49ers announced Tuesday that they have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Franklin."Aubrayo has proven to be a valuable contributor to our defense and we are looking forward to having him on our team going forward," Niners general manager Scot McCloughan said in a statement. "Although a contract extension has not been completed at this time, we will continue to have discussions with Aubrayo and his agent."
The franchise tag gives the 49ers the right to match any free-agent offer extended Franklin's direction this offseason or receive a pair of first-round picks should they opt to let Franklin walk.
If he stays in San Francisco, as appears likely, he will earn the average salary of the five highest-paid nose tackles in the league -- $7,003,000, according to NFLLabor.com.
Franklin, 29, has developed into a stalwart on the defensive line during his three years in San Francisco. He's started 44 games with the Niners, including all 16 in 2009 -- he registered 36 tackles and two sacks last season. That came on the heels of a 46-tackle, one-sack 2008.
McCloughan's comments Tuesday indicate that San Francisco will, wisely, try to lock Franklin up long-term, but he's set for at least 2010.
Franklin is the second defensive tackle to be given the franchise tag this week -- the Patriots hit Vince Wilfork with it on Monday.
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