The New England Patriots have a ton of cap space. They just need to figure out how to best use it.
One aspect of the offseason that could have a huge impact on their free agency plans is the Franchise Tag cycle.
The Patriots don’t have any real candidates to Franchise Tag themselves, but who other teams tag could be significant.
In a recent article from NESN’s Sean T. McGuire, he highlights five Franchise Tag candidates from other teams New England should keep an eye on.
Those names are Tee Higgins, WR from the Cincinnati Bengals, Ronnie Stanley, LT from the Baltimore Ravens, Alaric Jackson, LT from the Los Angeles Rams, Darius Slayton, WR from the New York Giants, and Sam Darnold, QB from the Minnesota Vikings.
Higgins is obvious given the Patriots’ top need is arguably wide receiver, and he would be the best option on the market if he doesn’t get tagged. Slayton also makes sense as a wide receiver option but is more of a solid backup option to Higgins
Stanley and Jackson are also obvious options given they are left tackles, another huge need for New England.
Darnold is more interesting, as his status has more of an effect on the draft.
Currently, the Patriots are behind three teams in need of a quarterback in the draft. If Darnold isn’t tagged, there is a chance one of them picks him up.
New England fans may not have to worry about the Franchise Tag with their team, but it could have a ripple effect based on what other teams do.
