NFL teams can officially utilize the franchise tag on their unrestricted free agents this offseason. Many wonder if the Patriots will utilize it.
The first pit stop of the NFL offseason is here. Starting on Tuesday, February 17th, NFL teams can begin using the franchise tag on players to keep pending unrestricted free agents from the open market.
There will be many eyes around the field this week and for many weeks to come, leading to free agency in March. The New England Patriots have multiple free agents on the market but are not expected to use the tag at this time.
As a matter of fact, the Patriots are known to underutilize that tactic with their unrestricted free agents. Since 2000, the team has tagged only nine players. The last one was guard Joe Thuney back in 2020.
The Patriots have a good number of unrestricted free agents, including K’Lavon Chaisson (DE), Khyris Tonga (DT), Jaylinn Hawkins (S), Austin Hooper (TE), and OT Vederian Lowe, who are the most notable.
Many feel that Chaisson could be the player on that list who wants to explore an option to re-sign with the Patriots. Chaisson signed only a one-year deal worth $5 million this past offseason. The Patriots' edge rusher got a career high of 7.5 sacks this season and added on three more in the playoffs.
Despite his expressed interest in returning, tagging Chaisson does not seem likely. The projected choice for edge rushers this offseason is $26.7 million. That's a price tag that the Patriots' front office is most likely very aware of.
After the 29-13 Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Chaisson, Tonga, and Hawkins all mentioned that they would be very interested in returning to the team. There is just no chance that would come to fruition via a franchise tag.
There are many players outside New England that the Patriots are most likely keeping an eye on. When it comes to other teams around the NFL that could pique their interest, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, Cincinnati Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson, and Los Angeles Chargers edge Odafe Oweh are all rumored to be a formidable fit for Vrabel's system.
The franchise tag window remains open until March 3rd at 4 pm ET. Any unrestricted free agents that are not tagged by then will be set to enter free agency a week and a half later.