The Baltimore Ravens have placed the franchise tag on pass rusher Matthew Judon.
Judon was due to enter free agency at the start of the new NFL year next week.
Baltimore's decision comes after outside linebacker Judon led the Ravens with 9.5 sacks in 2019.
He earned a Pro Bowl nod for his performances last season, which ended in disappointment for Baltimore as they finished a league-best 14-2 before losing to the Tennessee Titans in the playoffs.
A fifth-round pick in 2016, Judon has 28.5 sacks in four seasons with the Ravens.
Should he play under the tag, Judon would be set to receive around $16million for the 2020 campaign. The Ravens, having avoided losing him for nothing, could yet choose to trade him instead.
We have designated OLB Matthew Judon as our 2020 franchise player. pic.twitter.com/Jf7WN7CI7d
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 13, 2020