The franchise tag window took some of the top free agents off the board.

First and foremost, Tee Higgins almost certainly won’t be signing with the Patriots this offseason. He was tagged by the Bengals, who hope to come to a long-term agreement with the wideout.

Chiefs guard Trey Smith also was tagged, though it’s debatable whether or not he would have made sense in Foxboro, Mass.

And then there is Alaric Jackson, one of the top offensive tackles, who is no longer available after he agreed to a long-term deal with the Rams.

So who’s left? It’s a slimmer class after the tag deadline expired Tuesday afternoon, but there remain some viable options for the Patriots.

We ranked eight free agents in order of how the Patriots should pursue them:

1. Ronnie Stanley, OT

Stanley didn’t receive the franchise tag from the Baltimore Ravens, so it’s now official he can hit free agency.

Is there still a chance Stanley re-signs with Baltimore before the legal tampering window opens Monday?

Yes, there is. But with Stanley another step closer to the open market, he should be New England’s top priority. And he will be, according to multiple reports. Back up the Brinks truck.

2. Milton Williams, DT

Williams might be the most likely big-name free agent to sign with the Patriots. The Boston Herald reported Williams is a “top target” for Mike Vrabel’s team and NFL Media’s Cameron Wolfe labeled New England as a “top suitor.” Those are good signs.

The Patriots might even have a good idea of what it will cost after the Cowboys signed top defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to long-term deal.

3. Cam Robinson, OT

If the Patriots cannot land their top option in Stanley, they need to add a veteran who has experience playing left tackle.

It needs to be the team’s most important back-up plan. The 29-year-old, who struggled a bit in 2024, hopefully would find his previous form working with offensive line coach Doug Marrone, who was the head coach in Jacksonville when Robinson was drafted.

4. Chris Godwin, WR

The Buccaneers opted against using their franchise tag on Godwin, but Tampa Bay still figures to be in the mix to re-sign him. Godwin hits the open market after a season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 7.

With Higgins receiving the franchise tag, the 29-year-old is the top free-agent receiver. Spotrac projects Godwin’s market value at three years and $67.6 million — a $22.5 million AAV which would put him just inside the top 20 receivers. If the Patriots can get him at the right price, Godwin is worth pursuing.

5. Darius Slayton, WR

Slayton ranks behind other top wideouts like Godwin, Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs. But Slayton, who is younger and has been healthier than all three, comes with less question marks.

He also is expected to come at a more affordable rate with Spotrac projecting his market value at three years and $47 million ($15.8 AAV). That would rank outside the top 25 receivers, with Slayton more of a WR2 than top-flight wideout.

6. Charvarius Ward, CB

Cornerback is not the biggest need of the Patriots, but it’s need nonetheless. The question for the Patriots is how much they want to spend at the position given they have Gonzalez opposite No. 1 wideouts. Ward was a Second Team All-Pro in 2023 after he recorded five interceptions and 23 pass break ups.

He could benefit from a change of scenery following a tough year personally and professionally. His market value projects to be three years and $45.9 million ($15.3 million AAV).

7. Patrick Mekari, OL

The Ravens have an offensive lineman the Patriots should want. Perhaps two. Mekari, as discussed by NESN.com’s Keagan Stiefel last month, has experience across the line.

The 27-year-old played 822 snaps at left guard in 2024 after 668 snaps at left tackle the prior two seasons. Spotrac lists Mekari’s market value at three years and $31 million. He could fill whatever hole is needed.

8. Byron Murphy, CB

The emergence of slot cornerbacks is a trend Mike Vrabel picked up on around the league, and Murphy would offer such skill set.

He’s versatile having played on the perimeter (643 snaps) and in the slot (307 snaps) in 2024, per PFF.

The 2019 second-round pick is projected to receive a deal in the neighborhood of four years and $88 million ($22 million AAV). Cornerbacks are expensive, but Murphy would give the Patriots a strong complement to Christian Gonzalez. (Disclaimer: a slot cornerback like Mike Hilton would be much cheaper and make sense, too).

If Spotrac projections prove true, you might be able to sign D.J. Reed/Ward and Hilton for nearly the same price as Murphy.