The Seattle Seahawks have placed their franchise tag on linebacker Leroy Hill to keep him from leaving in free agency.

Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said today he was excited Seattle's former third-round draft choice will remain with the team.

Ruskell says he will continue to explore a long-term deal with the playmaker. Hill set a team record for sacks by a rookie linebacker with 7› in 2005.

The franchise tag means Seattle will tender a minimum $8.3 million for 2009, the average salary of the top five linebackers in the NFL.

Hill will be free to negotiate with any other team, but the Seahawks can match any offer or receive two first-round draft choices if they decide not to match.