CLEVELAND -- Browns kicker Phil Dawson has accepted his franchise tag, a league source told The Plain Dealer.

Dawson, heading into his 14th season, is set to make $3.8 million in 2012.

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said last week that Dawson may have been unhappy about being tagged for the second straight year. His "ultimate goal'' was to sign Dawson to a multi-year deal.

Dawson has declined to comment.

He was franchised last season for $3.175 million. He played in all 16 games, converting 24 of 29 field goals, but with a block and deflection and one kick that sailed high above the goalpost, Dawson contends there was only one legitimate miss.

Dawson also hit seven field goals of 50 yards or more, which was one shy of the NFL record. Dawson's 199 games played are the fifth-most in Browns history.

His career field goal percentage of 83.1 is first in Browns history and 10th in NFL annals.