The Kansas City Chiefs informed defensive end Jared Allen on Monday that he will be designated the team's franchise player, essentially preventing him from leaving via free agency this year.

Allen led the NFL this year with 15 1/2 sacks despite playing in only 14 games. He has been hoping for a long-term deal, and expected to be franchised if a deal could not be worked out in time.

In other news, the team also signed kicker Billy Cundiff to a two-year contract on Monday.