National Football League

Vikings place franchise tag on LB Greenway

Published Feb. 21, 2011 8:44 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

The Minnesota Vikings placed the franchise tag on Chad Greenway on Monday, backing up their offseason statements about wanting to keep the 28-year-old linebacker in purple.

Greenway has led the team in tackles for three straight seasons. He was chosen the team's 2010 defensive MVP and had 149 tackles. He will be entering his sixth season, including a rookie season that he sat out with a knee injury.

If the franchise tag designation stays in its current form in the next collective bargaining agreement, Greenway stands to make nearly $10 million next season. But the Vikings would like to get a long-term deal done with the 28-year-old, which would negate that number.

''Chad's an important part of our team and his play speaks for itself,'' coach Leslie Frazier said in a statement on the team's website. ''He's productive and has continued to improve each year he has been in the NFL. ''He's a leader for us in the locker room and on the field.''

Many players chafe at the designation, viewing it as an obstacle in their way of a long-term contract with big guaranteed money. But in a statement issued by the team, Greenway said he was ''happy to know that the Vikings value me enough to make this move.''

He said he looked forward to playing for Frazier, defensive coordinator Fred Pagac and new linebackers coach Mike Singletary next season, and well into the future.

''It's been a goal of mine since getting drafted to play with the Vikings my whole career,'' he said. ''I think we're one step closer to that now.''

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League