NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS DECIDE AGAINST FRANCHISE TAG, LETTING FREE AGENTS HIT OPEN MARKET 🚨

As the NFL franchise tag deadline approached on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the New England Patriots made a decision that was unsurprising to many observers: they opted not to use the franchise tag on any of their potential unrestricted free agents. This decision came despite six players who theoretically could have qualified for the tag, including K’Lavon Chaisson, the team’s leading edge rusher.

Other players who were also considered for the franchise tag included tight end Austin Hooper, offensive tackles Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. However, due to the high cost of using the tag, which ranges from $15 million for tight ends to $27 million for defensive tackles, none of these players were realistically expected to be tagged.

For the second consecutive offseason, the Patriots will allow all of their unrestricted free agents to hit the open market when NFL free agency begins on March 11. While this move gives the team flexibility, it also opens the door for rival teams to potentially offer better contracts to those players.

No Franchise Tag, But Negotiations Are Still Possible

While the franchise tag—a fully guaranteed one-year contract—will not be used, this does not prevent the Patriots from re-signing any of their free agents before the market opens next week. They can still reach agreements with their players before March 11, when teams can officially start negotiating with free agents. But with the tag off the table, the team is left to find other ways to build their roster for the 2026 season.

Franchise Tag Around the League

While the Patriots opted not to use the tag, other teams around the league took a different approach. A total of four franchise tags were applied:

• Kyle Pitts (TE) – Atlanta Falcons tagged their standout tight end.

• George Pickens (WR) – The Dallas Cowboys tagged their talented wide receiver.

• Breece Hall (RB) – The New York Jets tagged their explosive running back.

• Daniel Jones (QB) – The Indianapolis Colts used the transition tag on the young quarterback.

The transition tag applied to Jones allows the Colts the right to match any offer from another team, but it provides a lower financial commitment than the exclusive franchise tag.

What This Means for the Patriots

By not using the franchise tag, the Patriots are signaling a shift in their strategy, focusing on flexibility in free agency. They now have the ability to sign players to more manageable contracts and pursue other avenues to improve their roster. With the legal tampering window set to open on March 9, the Patriots will likely look to make moves in free agency and restructure their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Despite the Patriots being linked with several potential trades and free-agent signings, K’Lavon Chaisson and Austin Hooper, two of the more prominent names in the Patriots’ free-agent pool, will now be able to negotiate with any team. For Chaisson, this could be a crucial opportunity to secure a contract extension with another club that values his pass-rushing abilities, while Hooper might find suitors looking for veteran help at tight end.

As NFL free agency approaches, the Patriots will likely be active in retooling their squad with new talent, especially given their current roster’s deficiencies. The decision to avoid the franchise tag allows them to maintain financial flexibility and continue to build for the future.