The franchise tag costs are set for the 2024 season, and they could prove important for the New England Patriots, if they decide to tag any of their pending free agents in the offseason.
But who would be the likeliest candidates in New England to receive the franchise tag?
The easy answer would be safety Kyle Dugger and offensive guard/tackle Mike Onwenu. Dugger stepped up as the leader in the defensive backfield after Devin McCourty retired, and Onwenu proved invaluable for the Patriots due to his ability to play at both the guard and tackle positions.
If the Patriots wanted to use the franchise tag on Onwenu, it would cost the team $20.9 million for the one-year placement holder. Meanwhile, keeping Dugger around on such a contract would cost the team $17.1 million.
With the NFL announcing a record $255.4 million salary cap, franchise and transition tag numbers are also locked in. From a memo to clubs today: pic.twitter.com/SkUHnY8sPh
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 23, 2024
Between the two players, Onwenu is the one the Patriots can’t afford to lose. The offensive line was a trouble spot for the team all season long, and the former sixth-round draft pick is their best offensive lineman.
Of course, they would much rather strike up a long-term deal than pay the hefty franchise tag fee. But with Trent Brown’s contract also expiring, the Patriots don’t want to find themselves in a position where they lose both tackles in free agency.
Fixing the offensive line is imperative if the Patriots are even considering using their No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft on a quarterback.
