Patriots NFL Free Agency Notebook: Offer on the table for Kyle Dugger, Cowboys OL an option in free agency, Texans' tight end expected to be pursued?
The Patriots “have an offer on the table” for free agent safety Kyle Dugger, according to MassLive’s Karen Guregian and Mark Daniels.
The NFL’s legal tampering period beings on Monday, March 11, allowing Dugger to negotiate with other teams. New England’s offer which is not known, allowing Dugger to shop that around and compare to others he’ll receive around the league.
Dugger could be a franchise tag candidate, which would cost the team about $17.1 million. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that the tag is an “option,” but prefers to work out a longterm deal with the safety.
Patriots to target star offensive lineman
The Patriots are expected to target Cowboys’ Tyron Smith in free. The star offensive tackle is expected to hit free agency after not agreeing to a contract extension with Dallas.
New England wants to add a “starting-caliber” player on the offensive line, per MassLive.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is still hopefully he can bring back the star lineman ahead of free agency next week.
“We’ll get in there in the right way and discuss his business and work out something that’s good for both of us,” Jones said. “He’s had a great career. He’s a Hall of Fame player. And not only that, his personal life is one of the great stories that I’ve been a part of with players, or coaches or anybody, commissioners or anybody in the NFL.
“So, where I’m going with this is to certainly get something that would have him on the field, I can’t tell you how good shape I thought we were in with him as we got into the playoffs and his health and where he was. Thought we were just where you want to be. And I gave a lot of credit to coach Mike McCarthy, him getting it pushed up there to where we had him just right as we went into the playoffs.”
If Smith hits the open market, he will be sought after by many teams, including New England. Pro Football Focus’ salary cap analyst Rich Spielberger projects Smith to receive a one-year, $10 million deal that’s fully guaranteed.
Dalton Schultz an option at tight end?
The Patriots are emerging as a potential landing spot for Texans free agent Dalton Schultz, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Schultz could land more than $10 million per year on the open market. He is also still connected to Houston and could return.
"Dalton Schultz didn't get his big payday last year due to a deep tight end class, but it should come this time after a good season with the Texans," wrote Fowler. "Enough teams expect him to clear $10 million per year. New England is one to watch here potentially, as is a return to Houston. The Seahawks' Noah Fant will also do well."
Schultz is coming off a solid first year with Houston, scoring five touchdowns while recording 635 yards.
