No franchise tags ahead of free agency for the Patriots this year.
As 4 pm EST on Tuesday afternoon approached, the New England Patriots had to decide whether to use the franchise tag on any of their unrestricted free agents before free agency opened next week.
So, what did the Patriots do? They didn't tag any of their free agents—a move everyone saw coming.
Six players were eligible for the tag this year. Tight end Austin Hooper, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, offensive tackles Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr., safety Jaylinn Hawkins, and probably the biggest name of all the Patriots UFA's, edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson was all in the conversation to get tagged but didn't.
This move marks the second straight year the Patriots have not used the franchise tag on any of their impending unrestricted free agents. Thus, making all the names above eligible to hit the open market next week.
Between now and next week, the team's front office and the players mentioned above can still work out a deal to return to the team on a brand-new contract in 2026. Chaisson's name has already been linked to a potential return to the team, based on a social media post from a few weeks back.
Nothing official on that matter, though.
Franchise tags were not the norm around the league this offseason, it seems. Only four tags were applied around the NFL this offseason. The Atlanta Falcons tagged tight end Kyle Pitts; the New York Jets running back Breece Hall; the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens; and the Indianapolis Colts used the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones.
Whatever the Patriots decide to do in terms of any of the names mentioned above, they'll hopefully already have their mind made up by now. The market opens up for free agents on Wednesday, March 11th, at 4pm EST.
If any team has a reason to be methodical in what they do in the coming NFL season, it's the Patriots. Nobody expected them to be playing in the Super Bowl by the end of last season. So when you make it that far that quickly during a rebuild, keeping the momentum moving forward based on player movement is going to be key.
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