Raiders slap franchise tag on Woodson

[WebHamster]

Alameda, CA (Sports Network) - The Oakland Raiders designated cornerback Charles Woodson with the exclusive franchise tag Saturday, paving the way for his return.

"Placing this designation on Charles allows that he will remain with the Raiders next year," said Raiders head coach Norv Turner. "Hopefully we can enter into a long term deal in the future which will allow Charles to be a Raider for many years to come."

By offering the exclusive tender, Oakland retains the sole negotiating rights with Woodson, who will receive the minimum of the average salary of the top five cornerbacks in the league, or 120 percent of his previous year's salary, whichever is higher.

Woodson, a four-time Pro Bowl player, he heavily criticized former head coach Bill Callahan last season. The former first round pick, along with running back Charlie Garner, was deactivated for the team's final game against the San Diego Chargers for "conduct detrimental to the team."

After the season Woodson said he would never again play for Callahan, who was subsequently fired and replaced with Turner.