Tracking NFL franchise tag candidates who may interest Patriots
Who's up for a game of tag?The NFL's franchise tag and transition tag window officially opened Tuesday, Feb. 23, and runs through March 9. During that two-week span, each team can "tag" one player set to become an unrestricted free agent by bringing them back on a one-year deal.While the New England Patriots have 23 players set to hit free agency March 17, they rarely use the franchise tag and aren't expected to use it in 2021. But they'll keep an eye on their opponents.Several potential Patriots targets are eligible for the franchise tag this offseason. So if Bill Belichick and. Co want a shot at the following players, they'll hope their current teams avoid tagging them and let them hit the open market -- where New England has roughly $60 million to spend.
The Cowboys tagged Prescott in 2020 after the two sides couldn't agree on a long-term contract. There's a very real chance they tag him again in 2021 if no deal is reached, which means Prescott likely will stay in Dallas for at least another season.
The 27-year-old also would have a high price tag in free agency -- he earned $34.1 million in 2020 -- that might be too rich for New England's blood. But the Patriots reportedly are inquiring about any and all quarterbacks, so if things go south in Dallas, they should at least check in.
UPDATE (March 8): Prescott is staying in Dallas, and he's getting paid. The QB and the Cowboys have agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract that includes $126 million guaranteed, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
Another guy who probably isn't going anywhere. The Bucs reportedly are expected to tag the 24-year-old wide receiver, who ranked second in Tom Brady's offense in receptions and receiving yards despite missing four games.
The Patriots desperately need wide receiver help, but they probably need to find it elsewhere.
UPDATE (March 9): The Bucs are using their 2021 franchise tag on Godwin to keep him in Tampa Bay, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. That means star defenders Lavonte David and Shaq Barrett are set to hit free agency, although the Bucs could end up signing both players, per Schefter.
Robinson and the Bears reportedly haven't had contract talks since last September, so a long-term deal looks unlikely. The 27-year-old has also hinted he doesn't want to play on the franchise tag. That obviously doesn't preclude Chicago from tagging him, but there's also the "tag and trade" option if Robinson truly wants out.
The seven-year veteran is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Bears and would be one of the top wide receivers in free agency.
UPDATE (March 9): Robinson is staying put and will play on Chicago's franchise tag in 2021, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Golladay has been reported as a "strong" franchise tag candidate for the Lions, who have a new head coach and quarterback in Dan Campbell and Jared Goff. But roughly $16 million would be a lot to pay for a player who missed 11 games in 2020 due to injury.
Golladay has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and would be the No. 1 wide receiver in New England. If he stays in Detroit, the Patriots could turn to Marvin Jones, who is also headed to free agency.
UPDATE (March 9): Golladay will hit the open market after all, according to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, who reports Detroit doesn't plan on tagging the wide receiver.
New general manager Nick Caserio has a lot on his plate, including a decision about Fuller, the team's oft-injured but most talented wideout. The 26-year-old has missed at least five games in every season since his first, but he's a dynamic deep threat and a great fit for Deshaun Watson if Houston decides to keep him.
But if the Texans go full rebuild, they may not want to pay up for Fuller -- which may prompt New England to swoop in.
UPDATE (Feb. 25): The Texans don't plan to use their franchise tag on Fuller, the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson reports. That means he'd become an unrestricted free agent March 17.
Like Prescott in Dallas, the Chargers tagged Henry in 2020 and could do so again in 2021 to keep their star tight end around at least one more season. He caught a career-high 60 receptions from Justin Herbert last year and is one of the better receiving tight ends in the game.
The Patriots may not want to invest too heavily at tight end (Henry made $10.6 million last year), but they need an upgrade at the position one way or the other.
UPDATE (March 9): Henry won't receive the franchise tag and will head to free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
Smith is the most likely of the Titans' franchise tag candidates, with a projected tag of roughly $9.5 million. But Tennessee still might consider that an overpay with another serviceable tight end on the roster in Anthony Firkser.
Smith has averaged more than 10 yards per reception in three consecutive seasons and would be solid signing for the Patriots, as our Phil Perry pointed out recently.
UPDATE (March 9): It appears Smith will become a free agent, as the Titans don't plan to use their franchise tag on the tight end, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
The latest reports suggest the Giants are unlikely to tag Williams for a second consecutive year. That means the 26-year-old could be in line for a free-agent payday after breaking out with a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2020.
The Patriots ranked 27th in the NFL in total sacks last season and could use a dynamic pass rusher. Would they make a splash on a high-profile signing like Williams? That's not Belichick's style, but the need is certainly there.
UPDATE (March 9): The Giants have placed the franchise tag on Williams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
