Ravens Franchise Terrell Suggs

Terrell Suggs made it clear earlier this week that he'd like a long-term deal. That could still happen, just not in the next few days; on Wednesday, the Ravens franchised the 26-year-old three-time Pro Bowler.

While the two sides work on a new contract, Suggs will play for $10.2 million in 2009. It's a nice chunk of change, but the one-year deal clearly favors the team: if Suggs gets hurt, he's out of luck. But he's currently in better shape than teammates Ray Lewis and Bart Scott.

There was speculation earlier this offseason that the club might try to sign Suggs to a multi-year contract and franchise the 33-year-old Lewis. That obviously didn't happen, and now it looks like Baltimore will let Ray-Ray hit free agency and try to match any offer he might receive from other teams. If that happens -- and not everybody thinks it's a good idea -- Scott won't be back (and he might not be back anyway).

The Jets were regularly mentioned as a potential landing spot for all three players because Rex Ryan, former Ravens defensive coordinator, is now the head coach. With Suggs staying in Baltimore for the time being, and Lewis probably returning as well, Scott seems the most likely candidate to end up in New York. Even if the Ravens return three-fourths of their linebackers, there are still issues in the secondary. Chris McAlister just got his walking papers, and Samari Rolle could be next.

Tracking NFL Free Agents

Terrell Suggs, Linebacker
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY RAVENS
The Latest: The Ravens opted to lock down Suggs for next season, at the risk of losing both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott. Suggs will earn $10.2 million in 2009.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Darren Sproles, Running back
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CHARGERS
The Latest: Sproles will earn $6.6 million next season after San Diego franchised him. Now the question is, will he be the starter or LdT's backup?

Donald Miralle, Getty Images

Brandon Jacobs, Running back
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY GIANTS
The Latest: The non-exclusive tag means that Jacobs is still able to sign elsewhere, but would cost two first-round picks as compensation. He'll spend at least one more season in New York because of that.

Bill Kostroun, AP

Chris Johnson, Cornerback
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - 4 years, terms not announced
The Latest: Oakland wasted no time locking up Johnson with a multi-year deal, and now can focus all its attention on making sure Nnamdi Asomugha is lined up at the Raiders' other cornerback spot.

Paul Sakuma, AP

Karlos Dansby, Linebacker
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY CARDINALS
The Latest: For the second straight season, the Cardinals used the franchise tag on Dansby. He can still negotiate with other teams, but likely will spend next season in the desert - whether he wants to or not.

Ross D. Franklin, AP

Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 14 starts, 51 tackles (41 solo), 8.5 sacks
The Latest: The Titans promised Haynesworth that they wouldn't franchise him for the second straight year, so he'll become a free agent.

Mark Humphrey, AP

Kerry Collins, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 16 games played (15 starts), 2,676 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 80.2 QB rating
The Latest: Despite his age (36), Collins feels he is in line for a big contract -- comparable to whatever Kurt Warner receives.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Ray Lewis, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 117 tackles (85 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs
The Latest: Lewis will be one of free agency's top prizes, as the Ravens failed to re-sign him and decided to franchise Terrell Suggs.

Rob Carr, AP

Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 82 tackles (61 solo), 1.5 sacks
The Latest: Is there room for Scott in Baltimore? With the franchise tag landing on Terrell Suggs and the Ravens doing all it takes to sign Ray Lewis, it doesn't look like Scott is a priority.

G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 92 catches for 904 yards, four touchdowns
The Latest: The only way Housh returns is if the Bengals franchise him. Otherwise, he'll sign a lucrative contract elsewhere -- possibly with Philadelphia, where he's already expressed interest in playing.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images