The Patriots announced via Twitter that they would not be making any transactions on Monday, therefore forgoing the opportunity to use the franchise or transition tag on any of their free agents.
Specifically, that means Aqib Talib will not be tagged, and unless a deal is reached before the start of the new league year March 11 the cornerback will hit the free agent market for the second straight year.
Talib and his camp received some good news earlier in the day when Miami re-signed cornerback Brent Grimes to a reported four-year, $32 million deal with about half of that said to be guaranteed. While those numbers are not official, that's a deal Talib may have been looking for but now could be in line to exceed.
Grimes, 30, is two-and-a-half years older than Talib but has been more durable in his career after playing all 16 games in 2013 following a torn Achilles that cost him all but one game in 2012. Talib's troublesome hip could cause teams to tread lightly, but it would be understandable if he were looking to better Grimes' deal.
Talib's representatives reportedly met with the Patriots at the Combine and are working toward a long-term deal. It's possible the sides could reach an agreement before he hits the market, but the Patriots will not gain any security via the franchise or transition tag.
RELATED LINKS
- Aqib Talib Bio and Stats
- PHOTOS: 2013 Best of Aqib Talib
