JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed a franchise tag on Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis.
The Jaguars and Lewis will continue to negotiate a long-term deal, but the non-exclusive tag essentially assures both sides at least another season together.
For now, they have until March 4 to agree on a contract. That’s when the current collective bargaining agreement expires, ending all negotiations.
Lewis, a first-round draft pick in 2006, was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2010. He caught 58 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He ranked seventh in the NFL in TD receptions.
The non-exclusive tag means Lewis can negotiate with other teams. But any team signing him would have to give the Jaguars two first-round draft picks as compensation.
