Cowboys use franchise tag on S Hamlin (AP)

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The Dallas Cowboys designated Ken Hamlin their franchise player on Thursday, locking up the Pro Bowl safety through at least next season. The move essentially means Hamlin has a one-year contract at the average base salary of the top five safeties in the NFL: $4.4 million. It also keeps the unrestricted free agent off the market and extends the window to negotiate a long-term contract.

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