The deadline for the NFL franchise tag has passed with most of the 32 teams, including the New England Patriots, deciding against utilizing it. Consequently, only four players were retained from free agency before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET cutoff.
For the Patriots, this implies that several high-profile players are now poised to enter the free agency market next week. While the team won’t sign all available options — even with approximately $41.3 million in cap space, an extravagant spending spree akin to 2025 is unlikely — the decisions regarding the franchise tag will influence the course of free agency.
Potential Patriots Targets Not Getting Franchise-Tagged
While numerous players are options, we’ll highlight a few who were seen as plausible candidates for their respective teams to tag.
WR Alec Pierce: The Colts had a choice between extending their starting quarterback or his leading receiver and chose Daniel Jones with the transition tag. This decision allows Pierce to explore free agency for the first time. If he reaches the market, his impressive track record, including leading the league in yards per reception in 2024 and 2025, will likely attract significant interest from teams, including the Patriots.
C Tyler Linderbaum: The Patriots currently have two potential starting centers under contract; however, neither seems guaranteed a spot, even post a decent season for Bradbury. Linderbaum, the Ravens’ starting center for the past four seasons, presents a potential upgrade as a three-time Pro Bowl selection known for his well-rounded play.
ED Trey Hendrickson: Having already bid farewell to Cincinnati, Hendrickson is likely to seek a new team for 2026. The Patriots, who require enhancements on the edge, may find him appealing, especially given his versatility in both pass rushing and run defense.
ED Odafe Oweh: While Oweh may not have the same fame as Hendrickson, he has proven to be an effective player. His performance in the wild card playoffs, where he sacked Drake Maye three times, showcases his potential to disrupt opposing offenses, making him a valuable addition to the Patriots’ linebacker corps.
Why This Matters for the Patriots
Despite last year’s significant spending, the Patriots are entering free agency with top-10 rank in available cap space. This suggests they could actively pursue the four players mentioned. However, whether they will actually do so remains to be seen until next week.
The absence of a franchise tag on these players is advantageous for New England, as all four are proven starters capable of making immediate contributions to the team. While not all may be signed, bringing in any one of them would improve the overall roster.
Furthermore, the emergence of top-tier free agents affects the market dynamics broader than their individual presence. This is particularly relevant for the Patriots’ key free agent, K’Lavon Chaisson, whose potential return could be influenced by the availability of edge players Hendrickson and Oweh.
Ultimately, the free agency landscape remains in flux, with Tuesday serving as a reminder of its volatility.
