Kansas City, Mo. ? The Kansas City Chiefs put the franchise tag on linebacker Tamba Hali, who went to the Pro Bowl this past season as the AFC’s leading sacker.

In an announcement Wednesday on the team’s website, the Chiefs said they still hope to reach a long-term agreement with the outside linebacker, their first-round pick of 2006.

As a non-exclusive franchise player, Hali is guaranteed a one-year contract equal to the average paid last year to the five highest-paid players at his position if he stays with K.C. He can still negotiate with other teams. But the Chiefs would get two first-round draft picks from any team that signed him.

In addition to his 141/2 sacks, Hali had 50 tackles, 19 quarterback pressures and four forced fumbles.