Titans To Franchise Tag Haynesworth

The Tennessee Titans will slap defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth with a franchise tag by Thursday's deadline, but will keep working to sign the All-Pro to a long-term deal, his agent said Friday. Agent Chad Speck said he talked with Titans general manger Mike Reinfeldt on Friday and that both sides are working on a long-term contract for Haynesworth. Speck said he doesn't anticipate a deal being completed before the Thursday deadline for teams' to designate franchise player. "Mike confirmed to me that he will use the franchise tag on Albert but is committed to trying to get a deal done by July 15," Speck wrote in an e-mail. "I spoke with Albert today, and he is encouraged that talks have resumed." Thursday is the final day teams can slap the franchise tag on players to keep them off the free-agent market that opens March 1.