The Arizona Cardinals announced on Friday that they have placed their "non-exclusive" franchise tag on defensive end Calais Campbell, ensuring he will remain in the desert for at least one more season.
Under the current terms of the "non-exclusive" franchise tag, Campbell will receive a one-year contract at 120% of his 2012 salary or the average of the five highest paid NFL players at his position in 2012; which ever is the larger sum.
The deadline for franchise tagging is Monday, March 5 at 2:00 PM Arizona time, but the team can continue to negotiate a long-term deal with Campbell until July 16. Any offer sheets from other clubs can be matched by the Cardinals, or they receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
"We've made no secret of the high regard in which we hold Calais," said Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves. "To be clear, reaching a long-term deal that will keep Calais with the Cardinals for years to come remains our primary objective. This move today allows us the opportunity to continue working with Calais and his agent toward that goal and that's exactly what we will do."
The 6'8" 300 lbs. Campbell is entering his fifth season in the league out of Miami, finishing his 2011 campaign with 72 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles.
For more on the Cardinals offseason, head over to Revenge of the Birds.