NFL franchise tag candidates are bad news for the Patriots

Author Matt Dolloff

February 24th, 2021 2:34 PM

Based on some of the top candidates to receive the franchise tag around the NFL, Bill Belichick is going to have a harder time than expected improving the Patriots roster for 2021.

ESPN asked insiders throughout the league to name the top candidate for each NFL team to get the franchise tag in 2021, as Mike Reiss named Patriots left guard Joe Thuney. However, Reiss predicted that the Pats ultimately do not franchise Thuney.

But what about other notable free agents? Based on ESPN’s predictions, some of the best potential free agents may never get there.

It’s especially worrisome at wide receiver and tight end. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin predicts that the Bears will use the franchise tag on Allen Robinson. Jenna Laine believes the Bucs will franchise Chris Godwin on the way to an extension. Michael Rothstein says the Lions will franchise Kenny Golladay.

Belichick’s favorite tight end, Hunter Henry, is predicted to be franchised for the second straight year, according to ESPN’s Shelley Smith. Additionally, Turron Davenport predicts that the Titans will place the tag on tight end Jonnu Smith.

MORE: 5 potential trades for 2021 Patriots

If all of these players around the NFL end up getting the franchise tag, it’ll only make the offseason more challenging for Belichick and the Patriots. They’d still have plenty of weapons to choose from in free agency, but their hopes of landing one of the big fish would take a significant hit. The NFL franchise tag window officially opened on Tuesday and remains open through March 9.

PHOTOS: Patriots’ Top Candidates For NFL Franchise Tag

• Joe Thuney

  Share

  Bill Belichick has used the franchise tag 10 times in his Patriots career, but never on the same player in back-to-back years. Is Joe Thuney worthy of being the first? In terms of pure skill, absolutely. But with Shaq Mason locked up and Michael Onwenu looking ready for a starting role, the smarter play may be to use that money elsewhere. However, if the Patriots want to keep Onwenu at right tackle, then there is a case for tagging Thuney. (Projected OL franchise tag: $14.5 million)

• David Andrews

  Share

  David Andrews is crucial to the Patriots offense, especially if they want to maintain the same power run heavy attack they ran with Cam Newton. His value to the offense, and team as a whole as a leader, was made very apparent by the time he missed in 2019 and 2020. If the Patriots don’t want to risk losing the 28-year-old, they could tag him and buy time to work on a long-term extension. (Projected OL franchise tag: $14.5 million)

• Nick Folk

  Share

  Bill Belichick isn’t afraid to use the franchise tag on a kicker. In fact, he tagged Adam Vinatieri twice - once in 2002 and the other in 2005. In an offseason with weak kicker classes in both free agency and the draft, bringing back the 36-year-old Folk may be the Patriots’ best option. The only potential downside is the contract is fully guaranteed, so if Justin Rohrwasser turns things around in camp, it would lead to the difficult decision of eating the whole contract, moving on from the young kicker, or keeping two kickers on the roster. (Projected K franchise tag: $4.7 million)
• No franchise tag used

  Share

  Given their options, and the pricey nature of using the tag, it’s hard to picture the Patriots franchise tagging any of their pending free agents this year. That being said, it seems like Belichick tends to use the franchise tag when it’s least expected (like he did in 2020). If he does, it’s highly likely it will be on one of the three players above.

PHOTOS: Offensive Free Agents For 2021 Patriots

• WR Chris Godwin

  Share

  This is the pipe dream. Godwin's production may have taken a step back in 2020, but that's often the case with a Tom Brady receiver in a loaded offense. He's as tough and skilled as any receiver in the NFL and can play all over the field. If Belichick wants to make an aggressive move for a high-end talent at receiver, Godwin is the ideal choice.

• TE Hunter Henry

  Share

  Henry made recent comments that he wants to play for a great quarterback. Teams with their franchise QB locked in don't necessarily line up with Henry's price tag, though. Bill Belichick loves him some Hunter Henry and will likely make a legit push to sign him. But not only will he have to pay Henry at or around the top of the market, he may need to figure out the quarterback situation first.

• WR Corey Davis

  Share

  Davis would represent more of a Patriots-type signing. Belichick may look at Davis and see about the same player as Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin, but a guy he could get at a fraction of the price. It may help Davis that he has absolutely toasted the Patriots in the past.
• WR Kenny Golladay

  Share

  There's a chance that Golladay fetches an elite-level contract, which would likely price the Patriots out. But at the same time, Golladay has consistently had trouble staying on the field (he's averaged 11.8 games played per season). When he's on the field, he's one of the league's better big-play outside receiving threats. He'd be a good fit for what the Patriots like in an "X" receiver, but the question is the price.

• WR Curtis Samuel

  Share

  As far as a speedy, shifty and versatile wideout, Samuel is one of the more underrated commodities in football. He's coming off a 77-catch season for a rebuilding Panthers offense. The Patriots could offer him a competitive contract without breaking the bank, and Belichick would know what to do with a player like him.

• TE Jonnu Smith

  Share

  Smith made only 41 catches and drew only 65 targets, but he made the most of his touches with a career-high eight touchdowns. He'd be the kind of receiving threat the Patriots have sorely lacked at tight end for a couple of years now. His deal likely wouldn't be much of a hindrance to the Patriots' budget, and his presence could actually help the development of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.
• WR Marvin Jones

  Share

  Belichick has to love Jones' consistency. He's averaged 67 catches, 962 yards, and eight touchdowns per 16 games over the past six seasons. He's played at least 13 games five times since 2014. He's never mentioned among the league's best, most dependable receivers, but he gets the job done. Sounds like a Patriot.

• WR Keelan Cole

  Share

  Cole is an example of someone who, for whatever reason, has torn up the Patriots in joint practices and at times in real games. The Patriots like to bring those guys in sometimes. Cole would certainly give them an element of explosiveness that they relatively lack at receiver.

• WR Alex Erickson

  Share

  Erickson has been a guy to watch for the Patriots since Tom Brady still played here. He's the kind of quick, tough, versatile slot receiver Belichick tends to like. He'd have a great chance to make the team on an affordable contract.
• WR Breshad Perriman

  Share

  A former first-round pick who has bounced between four teams in his career, Perriman's stock couldn't be lower after his catches and yards dipped to 30-505 with only three touchdowns in 2020. He's the kind of receiver the Patriots would take a flyer on in free agency.

• TE Gerald Everett

  Share

  Everett's receiving numbers and blocking have both steadily improved over his first four years in the NFL. He still has untapped potential as a combo tight end and likely won't command an expensive contract. The Patriots could easily pay him well and can use a solid, established guy to group with Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Matt Dolloff

Category:

• Patriots
• Matt Dolloff
• News

Tags:

2021 patriots offseason,Bill Belichick,Matt Dolloff,New England Patriots,NFL,nfl free agency