The Patriots haven’t been big users of the franchise tag in recent history.
Since 2000, they’ve only tagged nine players. Guard Joe Thuney (2020) was the last.
With the window opening Tuesday, the Patriots have a handful of pending unrestricted free agents.
K’Lavon Chaisson (DE), Khyiris Tonga (DT), Jaylinn Hawkins (S), Austin Hooper (TE) and OT Vederian Lowe top the list.
From that group, the only player who might move the needle is Chaisson.
After signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Patriots last offseason, the former first-round pick blossomed. His 7.5 sacks during the regular season were a career high.
He added three more sacks during the team’s playoff run to Super Bowl LX. Chaisson bumped up his earning potential with his performance.
While Chaisson is at the top of the list for players to re-sign being a pass rusher, it still doesn’t seem likely the Patriots would go the tag route. Tagging Chaisson would put them on the hook for the projected $26.7 price for edge defenders.
Hawkins and Tonga, while valuable contributors, also aren’t realistic tag possibilities.
The Patriots do have cap space - roughly $42 million - they have other priorities, notably an an extension for star corner Christian Gonzalez.
Following the loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60, Chaisson, Hawkins and Tonga all expressed the desire to return to the Patriots and work out an extension.
It’s just not likely to come via the tag.