If the playoffs proved something in regards to the Patriots offense, it’s that Drake Maye wants higher safety.
Even in a lackluster free-agent class for offensive linemen, the Patriots ought to come out with one, if not two, new blockers for Maye.
Listed here are seven names to know, with contract projections courtesy of Pro Football Focus:
Prime targets
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 308
Age: 26
Projected contract: $17.5 million per 12 months
An harm threat who may supply a giant payoff, Vera-Tucker completed because the NFL’s Tenth-best offensive guard in 2024, per Professional Soccer Focus participant grades, earlier than a season-ending torn triceps minimize final summer time. He allowed a miniscule 2.8% strain charge that season, per PFF. The Patriots regarded Vera-Tucker extremely popping out of the draft in 2021, as a tricky, athletic lineman who may play a number of spots. When wholesome, that’s precisely who he’s been as a professional.
If the Pats focused and signed Vera-Tucker, he would take over beginning left guard duties, kicking Jared Wilson again to heart for a place battle this summer time with Garrett Bradbury. The Patriots have been pleased with Bradbury’s efficiency final 12 months, although the playoffs confirmed the crew should enhance up entrance, one thing Vera-Tucker may assist with from Day 1 — if wholesome. Thus far, he’s appeared in simply 43 of a potential 85 profession video games.
OG David Edwards
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 308
Age: 28
Projected contract: $11.67 million per 12 months
An actual growth success story, Edwards is a late-blooming seven-year veteran who asserted himself as among the best left guards within the league final season, particularly in cross safety. Edwards has began 16 video games every of the previous two seasons in Buffalo, the place the Payments are anticipated to push to re-sign him. Like Vera-Tucker, Edwards would turn into the Pats’ new beginning left guard if signed to his projected free-agent contract, sandwiched between Will Campbell and Wilson or Bradbury at heart.
Mid-level veterans
OG Joel Bitonio
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 320
Age: 34
Projected contract: $4.5 million per 12 months
As of late Thursday night time, it was unknown whether or not Bitonio deliberate to return for a thirteenth season or retire. But when he’s obtained extra soccer left, the Patriots ought to get on the cellphone.
Regardless of his superior age, Bitonio allowed simply two sacks in 686 pass-blocking snaps final season, per PFF. He’s exceptionally sturdy, taking part in at the least 15 video games in 10 of his 12 seasons. He was a multi-year captain in Cleveland, plus a seven-time Professional Bowler and two-time All-Professional.
Just like the aforementioned left guards, Bitonio ought to substitute Wilson within the beginning lineup if signed. However the further advantages of his addition right here embrace veteran management, mentorship and a extra team-friendly contract than these Vera-Tucker and Edwards are anticipated to signal if he desires to maintain taking part in.
OT Braxton Jones
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 303
Age: 26
Projected contract: $5 million per 12 months
The Patriots want a swing deal with, and Jones may match the half.
He’s an athletic left deal with with 44 begins value of expertise. Accidents and a midseason benching sunk his 2025 marketing campaign, however Jones proved himself a succesful pass-protector over the primary three years of his profession. On this case, the Pats would probably signal him to a short-term deal as a substitute for Vederian Lowe and draft an offensive deal with to proceed constructing depth.
Discount bin
OT Yosh Nijman
Ht/Wt: 6-7, 314
Age: 30
Projected contract: $1.5 million per 12 months
A greater run-blocker than pass-protector, Nijman performed each deal with spots in Carolina after a number of years in Inexperienced Bay. He’s one of many true swing tackles accessible and a plus athlete for his place. Nijman has 29 begins in 105 profession sport appearances.
OT Vederian Lowe
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 315
Age: 26
Projected contract: N/A
The Patriots have publicly and privately expressed curiosity in retaining Lowe, a one-time piñata for the fan base who performed pretty effectively in Will Campbell’s harm absence final December. Lowe has drawn exterior curiosity, however ought to signal for not more than $6 million per 12 months when all is claimed and signed. That cash displays the position he’s present in New England that really suited him all alongside: high backup.
OT Thayer Munford
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 354
Age: 26
Projected contract: $1.22 million per 12 months
Munford primarily served because the Patriots’ jumbo tight finish final 12 months, however may very well be referred to as on as a backup proper deal with. With Morgan Moses approaching 35 years outdated, the Pats could be smart to discover a backup for him subsequent season. And the reply could also be proper in entrance of their noses.
