The Patriots need to fix their offensive line. More specifically, they need to fix their tackle position.
For two seasons in a row, the Patriots failed to adequately fix their right tackle situation. In 2022, the team started Isaiah Wynn, Marcus Cannon, Yodny Cajuste, and Conor McDermott. In 2023, they tried Calvin Anderson and Vederian Lowe before fixing the issue with Michael Onwenu.
The current problem is that both starting tackles, Onwenu and Trent Brown, will be unrestricted free agents in March. An even bigger problem is that this free agent tackle class is incredibly weak so that makes Onwenu and Brown arguably two of the best available free agents.
It would be shocking if Brown returned. The talented veteran suffered a laundry list of injuries last season and aired his dirty laundry out to the media. It seems like a clean break would be best for both parties. Of course, finding a capable starting left tackle isn’t easy and that’ll be a major priority for the Patriots.
The team should prioritize Onwenu. The 26-year-old is a good right tackle and probably an even better right guard. He’s the type of player the Patriots should keep on their offensive line. However, it’s not going to be easy. Onwenu may very well be the best young offensive lineman available in free agency.
For the Patriots, it’s a good thing that tackle is considered extremely deep in this year’s draft class. The team could find a long-term starter at No. 3 or could very well find a starting-caliber tackle with their second-round pick at No. 34.
The Patriots will likely try to find some help in free agency. Here are five players who fit:
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Tyron Smith
If the Patriots want a short-term stopgap at left tackle, there’s no better fit than Smith. He’s 33-years-old and hasn’t played a full season since 2015. Last year, the longtime left tackle played 13 games for the Dallas Cowboys, but he still earned Second Team All Pro honors. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All Pro player. Smith would give the Patriots a solid veteran starter and a good mentor for their offensive line room. The plan here would be to draft someone to develop behind Smith.
Jonah Williams
If the Patriots lose both Onwenu and Brown, they could turn their attention to Williams. He started at left tackle for the Bengals in his first three seasons. Last year, he moved to right tackle after Cincinnati acquired Orlando Brown Jr. Williams initially requested a trade, but opted to stay with the team that drafted him 11th overall in 2019. Williams doesn’t have a Pro Bowl ceiling, but he would give the Patriots an experienced tackle with versatility.
Mekhi Becton
Becton never lived up to his hype with the Jets after he was drafted 11th overall in 2020. He started at left tackle as a rookie but played only one game the next two seasons due to multiple knee injuries. Last year, Becton started a career-high 16 games with most of his snaps coming at left tackle. At 6-foot-7, 363 pounds, Becton has the size teams covet for a tackle. He has some experience on the right side as well.
Jermaine Eluemunor
The Patriots traded a fourth-round pick for Eluemunor and a sixth back in 2019. He played guard and tackle with the Patriots, but never hit his stride. In Las Vegas, Eluemunor developed into a steady swing tackle. Last year, he started 14 games at right tackle. The year before, he started 17 games for the Raiders at right tackle. That makes Eluemunor one of the best tackles available in this free-agent class.
George Fant
Fan is a veteran with the ability to play left and right tackle. Last season, the 31-year-old started 13 games at right tackle for the Houston Texans. Fant started his career as a swing tackle in Seattle. His play earned him a $30 million contract with the Jets. He started at right tackle in 2020 and left tackle in 2021. He missed most of the 2023 season due to injuries. Fant would be a short-term option for the Patriots.
