With the start of free agency looming next month, teams are doing what they can to keep their stars in place. And for most teams, that means putting the franchise tag on a potential free agent they don't want to slip away. In Chicago, the Bears designated Lance Briggs as their franchise player, keeping the Pro Bowl linebacker in place in one of the league's top defenses. The Patriots put the franchise tag on Asante Samuel after the cornerback tied for the league high with 10 interceptions last season, and the Bengals used their franchise tag on veteran defensive end Justin Smith.