Kicker Adam Vinatieri, the hero of two of New England's three Super Bowl victories, was protected by the Patriots on Tuesday by being tagged as the team's franchise player.
The Indianapolis Colts designated Edgerrin James their franchise player, taking another step toward keeping their high-scoring offense intact.
Linebacker Julian Peterson was designated the San Francisco 49ers' franchise player for the second straight season. Beating that, the Jacksonville Jaguars designated hard-hitting safety Donovin Darius their franchise player for the third consecutive year Tuesday.
Free agency begins March 2, but much high-priced dealing already has taken place.
Vinatieri, whose last-minute field goals won the Super Bowls in 2002 and 2004, was designated the Patriots' franchise player for the second time. He got the same tag in 2002, then signed a three-year deal which is about to expire.
Under the designation, the 32-year-old Vinatieri will earn roughly $2.5 million in 2005. But it's likely the Patriots and Vinatieri will eventually agree on a long-term contract.
The Patriots are required to offer Vinatieri a one-year contract equal to the average of the top five salaries at his position last season, or give him a 20 percent raise, whichever is greater. Vinatieri led the NFL in scoring with 141 total points last season.
James is a non-exclusive franchise player, which means the Pro Bowl running back could accept a one-year deal from the Colts worth a little more than $8 million -- a 20 percent raise from his salary last season -- or try to work out a long-term deal with Indianapolis or sign with another team.
Indianapolis would have seven days to match another team's offer and would be compensated with two first-round draft choices if James leaves.
"The situation is fluid," team president Bill Polian said. "I don't know what we'll discuss."
The Jaguars are required to offer Darius a one-year contract equal to the average of the top five salaries at his position last season, which is $4.97 million, or give him a 20 percent raise, whichever is greater.
Darius can still negotiate with other teams. But if he signs an offer sheet elsewhere, the Jaguars would have the right to match the offer or accept two first-round draft choices as compensation for losing him. Two first-rounders would seem to be a high price for Darius, who hasn't made the Pro Bowl in seven seasons. He was third on the team with 125 tackles last season and tied for the team lead with five interceptions.
Peterson, a two-time Pro Bowl player and an All-Pro in 2003, will get a one-year contract offer worth about $7.29 million -- a 20 percent raise over last year's salary. The move also gives the 49ers' new management more time to work on a long-term contract with Peterson, who missed all but five games last season with a torn left Achilles' tendon.
