Starting on Tuesday, NFL teams can begin employing the franchise or transition tag to keep pending unrestricted free agents from the open market. The New England Patriots have multiple players in that category as well, but they are nonetheless unlikely to use any of the tags this year.
While they do have the financial means, a look at their 2026 free agency class shows that there are simply no realistic candidates to receive the tag.
The highest-profile names are defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, outside
linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. While all three played important roles on the Patriots during their 2025 Super Bowl season, the value associated with the tag does not compare favorably with their contributions and outlook.
Even though no official numbers have been announced yet, Over the Cap projects the tag to be worth $26.3 million for Tonga, $27.3 million for Chaisson, and $20.9 million for Hawkins. Chaisson’s eventual free agency contract should come closest to that price tag, but neither he nor any of his fellow UFAs — a group also including TE Austin Hooper, OT Thayer Munford Jr. and OT Vederian Lowe — are in line to be tagged at that cost.
Despite New England likely forgoing the franchise tag for a second year in a row, their front office will keep a keen eye on the rest of the league. A few potential free agency targets, after all, could become available if not tagged by their respective teams.
Players to keep an eye on in that regard are 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. All five of them are intriguing talents at their respective positions and would help fill needs in New England.
The franchise tag window will remain open until March 3 at 4 p.m. ET. Any players not tagged at that point are set to enter free agency on March 11.
