KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs put a franchise tag on defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season despite being suspended for the first two games.

The Chiefs and Allen have been unable to work out a contract for almost a year. The Chiefs said Tuesday they had franchised Allen, who had 15½ sacks last season. He was suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions.

Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Allen will make almost $9 million next season, the average of the five highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL. If another club signs Allen, it would have to compensate the Chiefs with two first-round draft picks.

Kansas City also would have the right to match the contract.

Allen has said he would like to remain in Kansas City.

The Chiefs went 4-12 last season.