The Indianapolis Colts have slapped the franchise tag on pass-rushing defensive end Robert Mathis, but he is unlikely to have the franchise tag for an extended period of time.

Just before the news dropped that Mathis would be tagged, Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star tweeted that Mathis and the team had come to a tentative agreement on a long-term contract and that he would not be slapped with the franchise tag. That contract is still coming, but the team put the tag on him as a precaution because of the looming franchise tag deadline.

Colts tagged Robert Mathis as precaution but are deep in talks on long-term deal and both sides hope to have that done shortly #insideslant

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 5, 2012

Mathis, who is 31 years old, has played the entirety of his nine-year NFL career with the Colts. He recorded 9.5 sacks this season on a defense that badly underperformed around him, and he has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times in his career.

For more on Mathis and the Colts, check out SB Nation Indiana and Indianapolis Colts blog Stampede Blue.