The New England Patriots are using the franchise tag for the first time since 2020.
Veteran safety Kyle Dugger has received the $13.8 million transition tag from the Patriots for 2024, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Had the team used the franchise tag, it would have put Dugger in line to make $17.1 million next season.
As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted, New England will have the chance to match any offer Dugger may receive in free agency:
NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry also noted in February that new head coach Jerod Mayo "loves" Dugger, so it's no surprise he wanted to keep him around.