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On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker Chad Greenway, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. If a new collective bargaining agreement is reached between the league and the players union, Greenway will likely make $10 million next season. The Vikings drafted Greenway in the first round of the 2006 draft and he has started all but one regular season game for them the past four seasons.

The move also leaves Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice and defensive end Ray Edwards as potential free agents. However, depending on the new CBA, Rice may be a restricted free agent.

Greenway made $3.17 million last season in the final year of a five-year deal, and sounds pretty pleased with the prospect of a 300% raise. “I would say my initial reaction is I’m excited to be a Viking for at least another year,” he said. “Obviously, I’m hoping to get a long-term deal done when a CBA is reached because I want to be a Viking my whole career. I’m excited to play for Coach [Leslie] Frazier and [new linebackers coach] Mike Singletary, Coach Pagac again.”

Last season, Greenway led the Vikings with a career-high 108 tackles. “Chad’s an important part of our team and his play speaks for itself,” Frazier said. “He’s productive and has continued to improve each year he has been in the NFL. He’s a leader for us in the locker room and on the field.”