KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks placed the franchise tag on cornerback Marcus Trufant yesterday, his agent told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

The newspaper, along with The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., reported last night that Trufant received a non-exclusive tag, meaning he may still negotiate with other teams when free agency begins next month. Seattle can match any offer or choose to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Mike Sullivan, Trufant's agent, didn't return multiple messages left by The Associated Press late yesterday.

Should he decide to sign the tender offer, Trufant would be guaranteed $9,465,000 for 2008 — currently the average of the top five salaries for cornerbacks in the league. He could still sign a long-term contract with the Seahawks by July.

Trufant is coming off his best NFL season, with eight interceptions and his first Pro Bowl appearance.

Seattle used its franchise tag last year on kicker Josh Brown.