The franchise tag window opened up last week, and although no player has officially been tagged just yet, there are plenty of teams that have already made it clear that they intend to get some of the top pending free agents to sign on the dotted line rather than test the free agent market.
As a result, it eliminates some of the leading names connected to the Patriots this offseason, many of whom would have been impressive additions to their roster. But at the same time, it doesn't mean that those players are untouchable, as they could still be traded.
The problem is that it will cost a lot more to get a deal done in a tag-and-trade scenario, so there is a chance that the higher-ups in Foxborough won't be too interested in engaging in those kinds of conversations.
But if they are, there are a few they should certainly consider, no matter how many hoops they'd have to jump through to get them on the team.
3 players who are rumored to be franchise tagged that the Patriots could (maybe) trade for anyway
DE Trey Hendrickson
Since he was looking for an extension last year and was demanding a trade if the Bengals chose not to give him one, Trey Hendrickson has been a hot name for the Patriots to pursue, and that continues this offseason.
He's expected to hit free agency next month and would immediately be the kind of pass rusher their defense has been lacking, but rumors suggest that Cincinnati will be dragging their feet in getting an extension done again, so the Patriots could have their shot at a trade.
If the Bengals tag Hendrickson rather than offer a new contract, it's clear they don't want to keep him around long term. Although he might not be a solution to the Patriots' pass-rushing woes for as long as some would want, since he is 30 years old, he would immediately bolster the group and put them over the top, proving why a trade makes sense.
It wouldn't be cheap, as the Bengals have historically demanded far too much in a reture, but it's not a conversation the Patriots should avoid.
LB Devin Lloyd
While speaking to reporters on Monday at the NFL Combine, Eliot Wolf made it clear that the Patriots will prioritize adding more linebackers to the defense this offseason. That makes a player like Devin Lloyd an easy name to pay attention to, even if the Jaguars decide to franchise tag him.
He's coming off the best season of his career, logging five interceptions, a fumble recovery, 10 QB hits, and 1.5 sacks during the 2025 season, thus becoming a hot free agent candidate for most teams needing some defensive upgrades.
He fits exactly what Mike Vrabel looks for in players to sign, from his age to his play style, and the Jaguars could decide that paying him a projected $28.2 million by tagging him might be too much to bear, despite how good he has been for their team.
In that case, there's no reason for the Patriots not to inquire. Even if he is tagged, they should be on the phone. It would be a high salary to take on, but it could be worth it if they want to continue their push to another Super Bowl.
OLB Odafe Oweh
Perhaps one of the more under-the-radar signings the Patriots could consider to upgrade their defensive line is Odafe Oweh. The linebacker was traded to the Chargers midseason in 2025 and turned his career around in just 12 games with his new team.
After looking like a potential first-round bust with the Ravens, he went on to record 28 combined tackles, eight for a loss, 13 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks for LA, immediately becoming a top name at the position heading into free agency.
That also makes him a prime candidate for the Chargers to franchise tag, even at the high price of nearly $28 million. It would be wise for them to keep him around after the season he had, but it doesn't mean they won't consider trading him for the right price.
If the Patriots view him as a good fit for what they're trying to build this offseason, then they should get on the phone. At just 27 years old with a lot of potential left to uncover, he fits what Vrabel would want. It will just be a matter of whether they believe it's the right time to bring him in or if it's the right price.