Tuesday was the deadline for NFL teams to place the franchise tag on players set to hit the open market next week.
New England did not use the tag, as Joe Thuney seemed like the only logical option and the team already used it on him a year ago.
When it comes to pass catchers around the league, per reports wide receiver Chris Godwin was tagged by the Buccaneers and Allen Robinson by the Bears. These both didn’t come as huge surprises, but nonetheless they will not be available when free agency hits next week.
In all, 10 players (including Dak Prescott as a place-holder) got the franchise tag, according to complied reports.
So, who will be available?
Relating to the Patriots and their needs, tight end Hunter Henry is the biggest as the Chargers did not place the tag on him. Bill Belichick has seemed to always like him and for the first time in his career, Henry is now available. The 26-year-old had 60 catches for 613 yards a year ago.
As for big-name wide receivers who weren’t tagged, Kenny Golladay, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Will Fuller and Corey Davis appear to be the biggest names available. And then besides Henry, there’s Jonnu Smith and Jared Cook at the tight end position.
With that being said, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Patriots pass on some of these big-name players and look to be active in the second wave of free agency where players don't cost as much. Players who could be targets there include Curtis Samuel, Josh Reynolds, Adam Humphries and Marvin Jones.
The Patriots have a lot of money to spend, but it would be unwise to spend it on one or two players given their needs.
The legal tampering period begins Monday with the new league year kicking off Wednesday afternoon.
