OWINGS MILLS, Md. - While a number of players protest the franchise tag, Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis said he would not be surprised nor disappointed if the team placed the label on him this offseason.

Lewis is slated to be an unrestricted free agent in March, but the Ravens could retain the former University of Tennessee star by placing the franchise tag on him, which means he would be paid the average salary of the top five running backs in the league.

He could still sign a long-term deal with another team, but the Ravens would receive two first-round picks for compensation, making such a scenario unlikely.

It was assumed earlier this season the Ravens would use the franchise tag on Lewis, but the former Pro Bowl player has had his worst year as a professional, averaging 53.2 yards in the 12 games he has played to go with a 3.1-yard average per carry.

Lewis had averaged 4.7 yards a carry and 96.1 yards a game heading into this season.

"If that's how it goes, that's how it goes," Lewis said of getting the franchise tag. "Like I said, it's business. I'll take it."

Lewis, though, thinks such a move would make little sense from the Ravens' perspective. Franchised running backs made $8.1 million this season, and that number may go up.

"I don't see why you would franchise a person that you split time with," Lewis said of his rotation with Chester Taylor. "You give him the ball 10 to 14 times. I wouldn't franchise a person like that. Why would you?"