Redskins Beat writer Chris Russell just reported that the Redskins have used their franchise tag on tight end Fred Davis.

As reported moments ago on @ESPNRadio980, #NFL sources tell us that Fred Davis has officially received the franchise tag from the #Redskins

— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) March 2, 2012

Davis was suspended for the last four games of the season due to a violation of the league's drug policy. It's believed that one more violation could lead to a year long suspension. Up until the suspension, Davis was among the Redskins leading receivers with 59 receptions for 796 yards and three touchdowns.

We've all been expecting it for a while now, but it sounds as though it's official.

The franchise tag for tight ends this season is expected to be about $5.5 million.

Update: To provide more validity to the story, John Keim just confirmed via his twitter:

And can confirm @ESPNRadio980 report about Fred Davis being tagged by the #Redskins, according to nfl sources. Again, makes sense.

— John Keim (@john_keim) March 2, 2012