As expected, the Arizona Cardinals on Friday placed the team's 2008 Franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby, who was slated to enter unrestricted free agency at the end of February.

This is the first time the Cardinals have used the tag since 2002.

The Cardinals still hope to reach a long-term contract extension agreement with Dansby, but the tag will offer the team some level of protection. Dansby may still negotiate with other teams, but if he signs a deal the Cardinals have the right to either match the offer, or receive two first-round picks as compensation.