The Patriots are said to have opted for the transition tag for safety Kyle Dugger, a move that influenced other decisions within the team. With significant cap space and roster gaps, New England could emerge as significant players in NFL free agency. However, due to pre-deadline actions, some top free agents won’t be available anymore.
Here are seven maneuvers that might affect the Patriots:
Indianapolis Colts tagged Michael Pittman Jr.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke with reporters and expressed his expectation that Pittman would remain with the team in 2024. On Tuesday, the Colts utilized the $21.8 million franchise tag on Pittman, as reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. This move eliminates Pittman as a potential option for teams in need of receivers, such as the Patriots. Pittman was regarded as one of the premier impending free-agent wide receivers, a group now led by Calvin Ridley.
Miami Dolphins decline to tag Christian Wilkins
Wilkins, hailing from Springfield, Mass., edges closer to free agency as Miami decided against applying its franchise tag on the 2019 first-round pick. ESPN has identified the Patriots as the “best fit” for Wilkins, envisioning him as a formidable presence on the defensive interior alongside Christian Barmore. However, Spotrac estimates Wilkins’ market value at four years and $80 million, a figure that might be too high for New England, especially considering Barmore’s upcoming extension.
Jacksonville Jaguars tagged Josh Allen
The Jaguars aim to secure Allen with a long-term deal, but in the interim, they’ve applied the tag. Had Allen become a free agent, the Patriots might have considered him. They could benefit from bolstering their edge rusher position, especially with Matthew Judon approaching the final year of his contract.
Carolina Panthers tagged Brian Burns
The Panthers made the expected move on Tuesday by tagging Burns, a decision that has been anticipated for some time. Burns is a key player for Carolina, and the team was keen on retaining his services rather than risking losing him for nothing. If Burns plays under the tag, he stands to earn $24 million guaranteed. However, there’s also the chance that he becomes a candidate for a tag-and-trade scenario. In the context of the Patriots, it might not be prudent for New England to part with the necessary trade assets required to acquire Burns.
New York Giants decline to tag Saquon Barkley
The New York Giants still have the opportunity to reach a long-term agreement with Barkley before the legal tampering period on March 11. However, it appears increasingly likely that Barkley will hit free agency for the first time in his career. While running back isn’t a top priority for the Patriots, with Rhamondre Stevenson nearing the end of his rookie contract and examples like Ezekiel Elliott showing that teams can find serviceable veteran backups for a reasonable price, New England’s offense could benefit from an injection of talent. Barkley has the potential to become the primary playmaker for the Patriots’ offense. If the running back market experiences another devaluation this offseason, perhaps the Patriots will choose to go against the grain and pursue Barkley.
Kansas City Chiefs tagged L’Jarius Sneed
Kansas City’s standout cornerback has been designated with the non-exclusive tag, allowing him to engage in trade discussions with other teams. The Chiefs have reportedly expressed willingness to entertain offers for Sneed. The 27-year-old cornerback had an impressive season in 2023. Pairing him with Patriots’ second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez could create a formidable tandem in the New England secondary.
Cincinnati Bengals tagged Tee Higgins
The Bengals swiftly applied the tag to Higgins, making it official on February 26. At 25 years old, Higgins was considered one of the premier wide receivers set to enter free agency, thanks to his youth and impressive production. The Patriots likely would have pursued Higgins had he become available in free agency, as reports suggest that New England sees wide receiver as a top priority. However, there’s speculation that the Bengals’ rapid tagging of Higgins might indicate their interest in trading him, as suggested by ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Sunday. This leaves open the possibility that the Patriots could still pursue Higgins via trade.
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