Across the league, players — superstars even — are being slapped with the franchise tag. Marquee quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Michael Vick have gotten the tag. Patriots lineman Logan Mankins also got the tag from the New England front office, the latest development in a rocky relationship between the two sides.
Of course, the flurry of franchise tag moves has a lot to do with the continued CBA tug-of-war between the union and the league's owners. It's a messy, complicated process, but that's where Jeff Howe steps in.
The NESN.com Patriots beat writer is all over the latest happenings in regards to not only the labor negotiations, but everything Patriots-related as well. And with the uncertainty of a 2011 season, along with the rapidly approaching NFL draft, there's plenty to talk about.
Jeff wants to hear from you, and this is your chance to pick his brain. Leave your questions below, and then check back later in the week to find out what Jeff has to say. Or, if you'd rather, you can always reach Jeff on Twitter. Feel free to ask him a question on there as well at @jeffphowe.
Leave your question for Jeff Howe's mailbag in the comments section below. Jeff will pick a few questions to answer every week. Be sure to check back to see if your question was answered by Jeff.
