Patriots Links 2/17/26: Franchise Tag Window Opens; Offseason To-do Lists

TEAM TALK

• Key Dates on the 2026 NFL and Patriots Calendar. February 17: Beginning today through March 3, 4:00 pm ET, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.
• Evan Lazar examines New England’s impending free agents heading tnto the offseason: K’Lavon Chaisson, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Khyiris Tonga headline the Pats’ 6 unrestricted free agents.
• Mike Dussault posts the finalized list of the Patriots 2026 opponents.
• Patriots 2026 Mock Draft Tracker.
• Patriots All Access:2025 season recap, exclusive with Mike Vrabel, offseason outlook. (19 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Doug Kyed offers the first two of five steps for the Pats to get back to the Super Bowl. No. 1:Trade for Maxx Crosby — No. 2:Fortify the offensive line.
• Mark Daniels examines the team’s offseason priorities: Top 10 questions facing Mike Vrabel and the Pats.
• Phil Perry‘s 5-point plan to upgrade the roster this offseason. 1. Don’t get married to key 2025 contributors.
• Darren Hartwell considers which Pats’ top three offseason needs they should prioritize. 1. Edge rusher.
• Andrew Callahan’s Patriots offseason thoughts: Drake Maye’s next step, Stefon Diggs’ future and 7 more.
• Mark MorsePatriots off-season notes: Free agency decisions, draft preparations, and coaching staff shifts.
• Alex Barth finds Christian Gonzalez wants to get a deal done with the Pats, now that he’s extension eligible.
• Karen Guregian considers what the Patriots should do with Stefon Diggs.
• Conor Ryan notes Dante Scarnecchia isn’t panicking over Will Campbell’s play, “I’m putting him right back where he was.”
• Karen Guregian hears from WR Kyle Williams on his offseason to-do list. 1. Gain strength.
• Karen Guregian looks at whether the Patriots have any franchise tag candidates.
• Steve Balestrieri looks at which Patriots free agents should stay or go in 2026.
• Conor Roche thumbnails 5 free agents that might make the most sense to pursue at positions of need; Patriots are set to have roughly $41 million in cap space.
• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: What to expect from the Patriots this offseason.
• Steve Balestrieri’s Patriots News:“Better, younger, cheaper” for 2026.
• Alex Barth’s Patriots Mock Draft 1.0: Building on a strong start. Pats pick Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor at No. 31.
• Pats Procrastination podcast:Clare and Chudders share their opinions on Pats offseason. (33 min)

NATIONAL NEWS

• NFL Nation (ESPN) Free agency, draft questions for all 32 teams. Patriots: What is Christian Gonzalez’s approach with a possible contract extension?
• Kevin Patra (NFL.com) 2026 NFL franchise tag window opens today. Here’s how it works.
• Matt Bowen (ESPN) 2026 NFL free agency: Best team fits for the top 50 players.
• Bill Barnwell (ESPN) 2026 NFL offseason: Trade proposals that fit for both teams.
• Douglas Clawson (CBS Sports) NFL free agency playbook: 10 rules to follow, including bargain QBs, paying RBs and avoiding the WR wall.
• Blake Brockermeyer (CBS Sports) 2025 NFL redraft. Pats pick OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
• Around the NFL (NFL.com) Top 10 NFL games of the 2025 season.