This is the first time the Ravens have used the tag since 2004, when they franchised McAlister.
Suggs recently said he holds no animosity over receiving the tag -- some players dislike the tag because they think they can earn more in free agency.
But according to ESPN, Suggs might challenge the Ravens on giving him the tag as a linebacker because he contends he played more than half of his snaps at defensive end.
If the Ravens used the tag on Suggs as a defensive end, they would have to pay him $8.879 million -- or $814,000 more than Suggs stands to receive as a franchise linebacker.
Suggs was listed as a starting linebacker for all 16 games last season.
Suggs' agent, Gary Wichard, did not return phone calls yesterday.
"We've had several discussions with Gary about the franchise tag," Newsome said. "Based on the CBA [collective bargaining agreement] and based on what we've been told by management council, we are within our rights to franchise him as an outside linebacker."
jamison.hensley@baltsun.com
Sack happy
Since 2003, the Ravens' Terrell Suggs has recorded the sixth-most sacks in the NFL:
Player, Team Sacks
Jason Taylor, Miami 59
Aaron Schobel, Buffalo 52
Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis 47
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Green Bay 47
Michael Strahan, N.Y. Giants 46
Terrell Suggs, Ravens 45
