As expected, the 49ers have applied the franchise tag to nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin.
The non-exclusive version of the tag, which required the Niners to offer him a one-year deal with a guaranteed salary (if the tender is accepted) of $7 million, prevents Franklin from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
“Aubrayo has proven to be a valuable contributor to our defense and we are looking forward to having him on our team going forward,” G.M. Scot McCloughan said. “Although a contract extension has not been completed at this time, we will continue to have discussions with Aubrayo and his agent.”
Franklin joined the team in 2007 as an unrestricted free agent. He has since become one of the top defensive tackles in the game.