The Patriots lack true answers all over their offensive line.
Although it’s well established that their biggest need is at tackle, the Patriots also face question marks at center and left guard.
Coming off a season-ending rotator cuff injury, David Andrews, 32, is in the final year of his contract. That’s also the case for Cole Strange. Backup Ben Brown is an exclusive rights free agent.
At left guard, the Patriots finished the season with Layden Robinson. The rookie finished strong but Pro Football Focus ranked him 128 out of 135 guards. He replaced Michael Jordan, who was released.
The Patriots need to figure out who their future starting center is. It would also be nice to shore up the guard situation. The team lacked depth last year and that can’t be the case again this season.
Here are five free agents who would help:
Trey Smith
Smith is arguably the best offensive lineman available in free agency. At age 25, he’s in the prime of his career and coming off a Pro Bowl season. He’s about to get paid a lot of money. Pro Football Focus ranked him 14th out of 135 guards. Smith, however, has only played right guard in the NFL. The Patriots best offensive lineman, Onwenu, played right guard. Could the Patriots move Onwenu to right tackle? Would Onwenu or Smith be as efficient at left guard?
Patrick Mekari
If the Patriots want versatility, Mekari might be the best option in free agency. The 27-year-old filled multiple roles during his six years in Baltimore. Mekari has started at every offensive line position – right tackle (1,206 snaps), left guard (832 snaps), center (683 snaps), left tackle (672 snaps), and right guard (272 snaps). Last year, he mainly started three games at right tackle and 14 at left guard. He could likely start at either position for the Patriots.
Mekhi Becton
If the Patriots are looking for versatility, Becton would be a solid choice. He’s built like a tackle at 6-foot-7, 363 pounds. The 11th overall pick in 2020, he started at left tackle for the New York Jets. Knee injuries forced him to miss nearly two entire seasons in 2021 and 2022. He played left and right tackle in New York in 2023. This past year, however, the Philadelphia Eagles moved Becton to right tackle. He had one of the best seasons of his career. He’d give the Patriots an option at either guard or tackle spots.
Dillon Radunz
Vrabel and the Titans drafted Radunz in 2021 out of North Dakota. The second-round pick played left guard, right guard, left tackle, and right tackle for Vrabel’s Tennessee teams. He mainly started for Vrabel at right tackle in 2023. Last year, with a new start, Radunz started at right guard. He’s another player who could help the Patriots at various spots on the offensive line.
Daniel Brunskill
Brunskill signed with Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans in 2023. That year, he started at right guard. Last year, started 10 of 17 games played for the Titans. He started eight games at center and two at right guard. Brunskill has also played every position on the offensive line. He’d give the Patriots an experienced backup with versatility.
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