K Mike Nugent gets franchise tag from Bengals

CINCINNATI (AP) - Kicker Mike Nugent has been designated the Cincinnati Bengals' franchise player.

Nugent can negotiate with another team, but if Nugent agree to terms with someone else, the Bengals could retain him by matching the offer. If the Bengals decline to match the offer, the team signing Nugent would have to give the Bengals two first-round draft choices.

Nugent has played two seasons for the Bengals after signing as a free agent in 2010. He helped the Bengals earn a wild-card playoff berth this past season and set franchise records for points (132) and field goals (33).