Baltimore Ravens franchise K Justin Tucker

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Baltimore Ravens used the franchise tag on kicker Justin Tucker who was scheduled to become a free agent March 9.

General manager Ozzie Newsome said Wednesday the Ravens had exchanged offers with Tucker's representatives but would use the restrictive tag and continue negotiating if necessary.

Players who are franchised can sign an offer sheet with other teams but Baltimore retains refusal rights, with the option to match the offer or allow Tucker to leave and receive draft compensation.

"Even if we do franchise him, we will continue to work to negotiate to try and get a deal done," Newsome said.

Tucker, 26, made 33 of 40 field-goal attempts last season. In four seasons, he is 130 of 148.