THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans slapped the franchise tag on tight end Bo Scaife on Thursday, just a couple hours before the league deadline.

Scaife was the Titans' leading receiver in 2008 with a career-high 58 catches, a number that ranked him seventh among NFL tight ends. His agent had said a couple weeks ago that Scaife intended to test the market once free agency starts Feb. 27.

The franchise tag means Scaife will earn US$4.46 million for 2009, the average salary of the five highest-paid players at his position.

Another team can attempt to sign Scaife, but the Titans would have the chance to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.