Tuesday marked the first day NFL teams can use the franchise or transition tag on players who are free agents with the final day being March 6, but this likely will not be something the Patriots will use.
First off, they haven't used the franchise tag since 2015 when it was used on Stephen Gostkowski, but secondly, and more importantly, there just aren't many options for them.
Offensive tackle Nate Solder would be an ideal candidate, but when he signed his new deal in 2015 he had language within the contract that stated he cannot get the tag.
Other free agents for the Patriots who are even remote possibilities are Malcolm Butler, Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead -- but don't count on it.
Butler is all but gone after being benched in Super Bowl LII and the running back figure will be close to $12 million and the Patriots would never consider paying a running back that much for one season.
While other teams may have a decision to make over the next few weeks on whether or not to use the tag, it should be an easy pass for New England.
