In free agency, anything can happen, but one of the Patriots’ top targets might soon be unavailable. Pro Football Focus identifies the Patriots as a potential landing spot for Jaguars star edge rusher Josh Allen, but recent reports suggest that Allen could receive a franchise tag from Jacksonville, keeping him with the team for at least another year.
Securing Allen would be a significant acquisition for the Patriots’ defense, particularly surprising for a team expected to focus on revamping its struggling offense. The Patriots ranked 31st in the NFL last season with 236 points scored. Despite this, the Patriots have ample cap space, exceeding $83 million with potential for more with additional roster cuts.
Thus, the Patriots could bolster their defense while addressing offensive issues. However, the higher cap number might incline the Jaguars to utilize the $24 million one-year franchise tag for Allen.
Josh Allen is likely to receive the franchise tag, which would represent a significant boost for the Patriots’ defense. In the previous season, he tallied 17.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits, earning his second Pro Bowl selection. Allen is currently ranked as the No. 3 edge rusher on the market.
As stated by PFF last week, Carolina is also considered a potential destination for the Jaguars star: “Allen followed up a strong 2022 season with an exceptional 2023 campaign, achieving career highs in quarterback pressures (69) and sacks (13.5) by Week 14, along with a pass-rush win rate of 20.1% that ranked among the league’s best.”
“Hypothetically, Carolina could trade Brian Burns for Allen, or New England could make a significant free-agent acquisition on the edge.”
However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday, as cited by Bleacher Report, “Jacksonville Jaguars star edge rusher Josh Allen is ‘largely expected’ to be designated with the $24 million franchise tag this offseason, as stated on Sunday’s ‘SportsCenter’ by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, though ‘they haven’t finalized it yet, so we’ll see.'”
If Allen does not receive the franchise tag, Spotrac estimates his market value to be approximately the same on a per-year basis as the tag amount—$23.9 million. However, considering his age, Spotrac anticipates Allen securing a five-year contract worth $120 million.
The Patriots’ offseason strategy regarding Matthew Judon has become uncertain. Additionally, their potential pursuit of Josh Allen is noteworthy, especially considering the Patriots’ openness to the possibility that star edge rusher Matthew Judon may sign with another team next season. Judon, aged 31, missed 13 games in the previous season due to a torn biceps muscle and is entering the final year of his contract.
Despite his injury, Judon achieved 15.5 sacks in 2022 and recorded four sacks in four games this year. However, the Patriots may choose to offer him to a contender. Judon had earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections before his injury last year.
Judon staged a “soft” holdout during training camp last year, and as he enters the final year of his contract, he may be insistent on securing a contract extension this offseason. However, the Patriots are aiming to transition towards a younger roster, and at 26 years old, someone like Allen might be a more suitable fit for their plans.
