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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs have put the franchise tag on defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season despite missing the first two games.

The Chiefs and Allen have been at an impasse for almost a year, with the two sides seemingly unwilling to budge. The Chiefs confirmed Tuesday they had franchised Allen, who became a fan favorite last year with his heart and hustle and 15 1/2 sacks. He was suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions.

Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Allen will make almost $9 million next season, the average of the five highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL.

Allen has said he would like to remain in Kansas City.

''I love it here,'' he said last fall. ''I would love to be able to get something done and stay in Kansas City. It's up to them.''

Allen was just about the only bright spot for the Chiefs during a miserable 4-12 campaign that included a club-record nine consecutive losses.

If another club signs Allen, it would have to compensate the Chiefs with two first-round draft picks.