Patriots can now make first major roster decision of 2022
Tuesday is potentially a pivotal one for the New England Patriots. It marks the first day that NFL teams can place the franchise tag or transition tag on their impending free agents.
Cornerback J.C. Jackson has long been a strong candidate to be tagged. It’s typically reserved for young, talented players who are coming out of their rookie contracts having significantly outperformed them. Jackson is in line for big-time money if he hits unrestricted free agency, but his position also pays very well on the franchise tag. The Patriots could buy themselves one more year with the 26-year-old if they’re willing and able to pay the tag number.
The franchise tag for cornerbacks across the NFL is widely projected to be just over $17 million. Jackson would almost certainly land a contract worth around that much annually, if not more. He would not be overpaid if he played on the tag for a year, and would remain attractive as a potential trade chip. Over The Cap has a full list of projected 2022 NFL franchise tag numbers by position.
Jackson is one of three defensive backs on track for free agency who seem to be candidates for the franchise tag. The others are Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis and Bengals safety Jessie Bates III, both of whom are ranked among the Sports Hub’s top-25 free agents.
Teams across the NFL have until March 8 to place the franchise tag or transition tag on any of their impending unrestricted free agents, so they have a few weeks to make a decision. In addition to the top defensive backs, keep an eye on Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown, Chargers wideout Mike Williams, and Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz in this regard. Keep scrolling down to get up to speed with all the key dates on the 2022 NFL calendar.
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Get to know the key dates on the 2022 NFL calendar
Football season may be over, but there’s still plenty to talk about for next year. Here are the key dates on the 2022 NFL calendar to know about as we head into the off-season.
March 1-7: NFL Scouting Combine
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and friend Vinnie Colelli look on during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The first big party of the year for prospective players, as well as GMs, coaches, scouts, and agents. And reporters sniffing around for nuggets of information from all of them. The top draft prospects separate themselves in these drills, which figure to be more important and involved than they were in the more COVID-limited 2020 and 2021 seasons.
For draft enthusiasts, it’ll be their first chance to pore over the performances of their favorite prospects. For the casual fan, it’s a chance to get the first look at the top players to know.
The Combine is also an opportunity for more unheralded draft prospects to rise up the boards. But the event remains invite-only, so you’re guaranteed to see the best of the best on the TV broadcasts. (Yes, the Combine is on TV.)
March 27-30: NFL League Meeting
President and Chief operating officer Jonathan Kraft answers questions from the media at the NFL Annual Meetings at the Roosevelt Hotel on March 21, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a NFL owners imposed lockout in effect since March 12 the league is conducting it’s annual owners meeting in New Orleans(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The league meeting is the annual summit of owners, execs, and coaches, particularly those involved with the competition committee. The most newsworthy items from the league meeting are usually league-wide rule changes, which are discussed and sometimes agreed upon for implementation.
In light of controversies emanating from the 2021 season, one can expect overtime rules to be heavily debated during the league meeting, and perhaps changed.
April 28-30: 2022 NFL Draft
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Mac Jones poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected 15th by the New England Patriots during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Just about every NFL fan would say the Super Bowl is the biggest day of the year, and many would put the draft at No. 2. It’s the culmination of months of player workouts, team scouting, and media/fan speculation and discussion. Several of the top picks are likely already known by this point, but that doesn’t take away from the excitement and odd pageantry that comes with the event.
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 [email protected].
