The tag still gives him a chance to gauge his market and them to gauge his resolve because teams can talk contract parameters with him, just can't sign him to one without paying the tag price or approaching the Pats about some other trade terms.
Now Benny on the other hand appears destined to have to test his market. As I would imagine they will allow most of their FA to with the possible exception of Connolly or Koppen (one of whom they may want to know they have pre draft and even pre FA). they seem most interested in Carter, but his signing will have to wait simply by virtue of his injury.
I find the RB position in general to be very intriguing. As I think there are 4 guys that we are all interested in and like to certain degrees but nothing really spectacular.
BJGE - has been great for us and has a nose for the end zone and grip on the ball like no other. I think by himself we would all love him back but at what price and his is really the only spot to improve on as it is the only open spot.
Woodhead - He is our third down back and he is a pretty damn good one. I guess we could find someone better but not sure we really are looking to as he fills the role fine and is under contract.
Ridley - Right now based on spurts of good play I think most people are high on him and hope he takes the next step next year. Nothing spectacular yet but he deserves time to develope.
Vareen - no real reasons to be high on him but lets give him the benifit of the doubt regarding his injuries and hope that he learned something this year and can take into next.
I think if there is a 5th RB it would be someone geared toward FB.
So now you have to ask yourself are you OK with Woodhead, Riddley, Vareen, and some lesser known option either cheap vet or low rd/UDFA rookie?
I guess another way to phrase it is how good do you think either or both Vareen and Riddley will be?
I think Woodhead and BJGE as proven to be pretty darn good but not spectacular, the youth of Vareen and Riddley leave you hoping spectacular can be reached.
But because it is just potential you are left with the one last important question, how do you improve this area? ok 2 and at what cost?