Patriots Decide Not To Use Franchise Tag
 The Patriots did not place the franchise tag on CB Aqib Talib by Monday's deadline. (USA TODAY Images) |
The NFL Franchise Tag deadline has come and gone. The New England Patriots decided not to use the franchise tag on Monday, paving the way for Aqib Talib to become a free agent.
All in all, six players were hit with a tag by Monday's deadline. --
Franchise Tag: Jimmy Graham (Saints), Nick Folk (Jets), Brian Orakpo (Redskins), Greg Hardy (Panthers)
Transition Tag: Alex Mack (Browns), Jason Worilds (Steelers)
With NFL Free Agency beginning on Mar. 11 -- on Mar. 8 teams are allowed to talk with players -- cornerback Aqib Talib, wide receiver Julian Edelman and the rest of the Patriots free agents will hit the market in about a week. This does not rule out the team agreeing to terms with one of their players, though.
Earlier Monday morning, the Miami Dolphins signed cornerback Brent Grimes to a four-year deal, worth up to $32 million with $16 million guaranteed. This deal seems to have set the market for a guy like Talib.
For now, fans and analysts are in wait-and-see mode, but all eyes are on Talib as the off-season continues.
