Report: Browns to apply franchise tag to K Phil Dawson

The Cleveland Browns will make long-time kicker Phil Dawson their franchise player, according to NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora. Dawson was also tagged following the 2010 season.

Dawson, 37, joined the Browns in 1999, when they returned to the NFL as an expansion team.

In 2011, Dawson made 24 of 29 kicks, and is an 83.1 percent kicker for his career.

As franchise player, Dawson will not be allowed to enter into free agency but he must be paid a premium salary, which is at least the average salary of the top five players at his position.