OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens were unable to sign franchise player Terrell Suggs to a contract extension before today's NFL deadline after a late round of negotiations the past two days.

Under league guidelines regarding franchise players, NFL teams had until 4 p.m. EDT today to reach new deals or be forced to wait until after the season.

Suggs is scheduled to play under a new defensive end-linebacker designation with an $8.5 million salary after a compromise between the two sides. The Ravens have been in discussions off and on with the two-time Pro Bowl selection since April 2007.

The 2003 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has yet to sign his franchise tender and isn't allowed to practice until he does.

General manager Ozzie Newsome has said several times he considers Suggs one of the team's core players, and the Ravens intend to sign him to a new deal before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.

The Ravens also have the option of using the franchise tag again on Suggs, which would include a 20 percent increase over this year's salary.