Redskins TE Fred Davis signed his franchise tender. The move officially guarantees Davis $5.5 million for 2012. If he builds on his breakout 2011 and stays out of trouble, he'll be in for a much bigger payday next offseason.

Redskins GM Bruce Allen indicated the Redskins are targeting a long-term extension with TE Fred Davis. "We franchised Fred because he was our most valuable free agent,'' Allen said. ''We couldn't get a deal done.'' Davis, 26, was the Redskins' most consistent playmaker on offense last year, finishing second in receptions and yards despite missing the final month. Under the franchise tag, Davis will make $5.5 million this season.

Redskins assigned the franchise tag to TE Fred Davis.

Citing a person with knowledge of the situation, the Washington Post reports that the Redskins could franchise tag free agent Fred Davis "as early as today." The Post also reports that free agent SS LaRon Landry is "not being considered" for the tag. The tight end franchise tag is one of the cheapest around at just over $5 million. The Skins and Davis could work toward a long-term arrangement after he plays under the tag in 2012. For now, Davis is a risky commitment because he was suspended for the final four games of 2011.

Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole expects the Redskins to use the transition rather than franchise tag on free agent TE Fred Davis. Teams cannot apply both the transition and franchise tags in the same year, so the Redskins can't use the other one on SS LaRon Landry. The transition tag takes into account the top ten salaries at a player's respective position as opposed to the top five under the franchise tag. The last NFL player to receive the transition tag was OT Max Starks back in 2008.

According to NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora, the Redskins are "fully expected" to use the franchise tag on free agent TE Fred Davis. LaCanfora, a former Redskins beat reporter, cites "numerous people in the organization." The franchise tag for tight ends is projected to be roughly $5.5 million, and the Redskins "for a change" have plenty of salary cap room. Still just 26 years old, Davis was the Skins' only consistent offensive playmaker in 2011. The tag makes more sense than a long-term deal now that Davis is in danger of a year-long suspension with his next positive drug test.

Citing "one person with inside knowledge of the situation," the Washington Post reports that free agent Fred Davis may have to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal on the 2012 open market. Davis hurt his free agent stock by ending the 2011 season on suspension. A one-year deal may be attractive to Davis, though, because he just turned 26 years old. The Skins definitely want him back, so staying in Washington might still be Davis' best option if he's hoping for a shot at a multi-year contract.

Despite his season-ending suspension, coach Mike Shanahan indicated Monday that the Redskins intend to re-sign free agent Fred Davis. Davis let his team down late in the year by getting busted for (allegedly) smoking marijuana. "I feel good about Fred," said Shanahan. "I like his attitude. Fred made a mistake. I do feel very good about Fred. I think he's had a complete change." Davis finished the 2011 season with career highs in receptions (59) and yards (796) despite missing the final month.

Fred Davis and Trent Williams would have to fight both the NFL and the NFLPA in order to appeal their four-game suspensions.

The NFL announced Tuesday that Redskins TE Fred Davis and LT Trent Williams will be suspended for the final four games of the 2011 regular season. The suspensions commence immediately and end Jan. 2. According to a report from SI.com, both players have failed three tests for marijuana. If they get caught violating the NFL's substance policy again, it's likely that a one-year suspension would be forthcoming. The Redskins figure to put a high priority on re-signing leading receiver Davis, though his guaranteed money could take a big hit. Logan Paulsen, more of a blocker than receiver, will take over as the Redskins' starter at tight end.