Posted by: Shaun Dolence
The Seahawks have designated Leroy Hill as their franchise player, which will keep him from leaving the team (without compensation) during free agency.
The franchise tag means that Hill will still be allowed to negotiate with other teams, but the Seahawks will be allowed to match any offer. If they decline to match an offer, they are entitled to two first round draft choices in exchange. The Seahawks will likely attempt to work out a long-term deal with Hill before next season.
With the franchise tag, Hill will be tendered a minimum $8.3 million in 2009, the average salary of the top five linebackers in the NFL.
Franchise tags used around the league:
| Team | Player | Position | Tender (Millions) |
| Arizona Cardinals | Karlos Dansby | Linebacker | $8.304 |
| Atlanta Falcons | Michael Koenen | Punter | $2.483 |
| Baltimore Ravens | Terrell Suggs | Linebacker | $10.16 |
| Carolina Panthers | Julius Peppers | Defensive End | $16.683 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Shayne Graham | Kicker | $2.483 |
| Houston Texans | Dunta Robinson | Cornerback | $9.957 |
| New England Patriots | Matt Cassel | Quarterback | $14.651 |
| New York Giants | Brandon Jacobs | Running Back | $6.621 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Max Starks | Offensive Tackle | $8.451 |
| San Diego Chargers | Darren Sproles | Running Back | $6.621 |
| Seattle Seahawks | Leroy Hill | Linebacker | $8.304 |
| St. Louis Rams | Oshiomogho Atogwe | Safety | $6.342 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Antonio Bryant | Wide Receiver | $9.9 |
| Tennessee Titans | Bo Scaife | Tight End | $4.462 |
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