With the deadline to use the franchise and transition tags on players almost a week away, the Patriots still face the dilemma on who (or if) to tag. Assuming they plan to use the franchise tag over the rarely seen transition tag, they have three probable options. They can tag receiver Wes Welker for the second year in a row, this time at $11.4 million; right tackle Sebastian Vollmer at $10.67 million; or cornerback Aqib Talib at $9.66 million. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the decision may have just gotten easier.
Courtesy of Alfonzo Dennard’s actions the day before this past year’s NFL Draft, the Patriots may be short one of their starting cornerbacks for at least part of this upcoming season. Dennard was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest this past week, and may be facing prison time. Even if Dennard is able to avoid incarceration, he will certainly be suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Combine Dennard’s situation with nickelback Kyle Arrington’s free agency and the Patriots are certainly in the market for a corner.
Luckily for them, arguably the best cornerback available in free agency is already on their roster,Talib- who knows a thing or two about the judicial system as well. Should the Patriots take a risk and allow Talib to enter free agency, they may be looking at their worst secondary group in years if he signs elsewhere. Apparently it is possible for the Pats’ secondary to get worse.
The Patriots lack of cornerback depth provides a necessity to franchise Talib, but it turns out that it may be the most logical move as well. Talib’s play on the field certainly justifies a long term contract, but his propensity to get in trouble off the field has the team hesitating to make a commitment. Tagging Talib provides the Patriots another year to interview the troubled cornerback. Should he confirm their doubts and get into trouble, they would not be liable for a long term commitment and could part ways after next season.
The Patriots must also consider the replacements for Welker, Vollmer, and Talib. Welker is a part of a massive wide receiver free agent market that includes Pro Bowlers Greg Jennings, Mike Wallace, and Dwayne Bowe.
Vollmer would likely be replaced in house as offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is one of the best in the league at developing offensive line talent; or via the draft where the o-line is a major strength this year.
Meanwhile, Talib is most likely the best player available to the Patriots at the cornerback position as the free agency crop has flaws (Brent Grimes is likely the best competition, and he is coming off a torn ACL). The draft is not only weak but often doesn't provide immediate returns.
The price tag for Talib is also the most fair compared to that of Welker and Vollmer. It can be argued that all three players deserve an average annual salary in the $6-8 million range. Welker is a slot receiver who is in his mid 30's and limited in his capabilities; Vollmer is a right tackle where even the highest paid players do not make more than $7 million; Talib is the best cornerback the Patriots have had since Asante Samuel. Not only is Talib valued similarly to Welker and Vollmer, but his franchise tag figure is also the lowest of the three.
While nothing is a certainty with the Patriots, it seems clear that they are in a bit of a bind when it comes to their options at cornerback. Losing Talib would be very costly and extend their recent history of poor secondary play.
It may hurt some fans’ feelings to choose a troubled newcomer over the reliable and beloved Wes Welker, but the Patriots are about smart business- not hurt feelings.
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