We’re running a mailbag on Thursdays during the season. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or want to gripe about past answers, email cmason@masslive.com or tweet @bychrismason. Now let’s get to this week’s questions!
What is the best plan for a left tackle? Our 1st rounder? Trade down and pick later? Don’t trade down and pick later? Free Agent? Trade? Is the 2025 goal an Elite LT or just a serviceable and reliable one? — Jon S.
The best plan is to make Ronnie Stanley a Godfather offer in free agency.
The 30-year old Ravens tackle is playing at a Pro Bowl caliber level and checks just about every box — which is why the Patriots will need to overpay him to come to New England. Fortunately, they’re armed with $132 million in cap space heading for 2025.
Stanley has allowed just three sacks and four quarterback hits this season. He looks to be all the way back from an ankle injury that derailed his career. With Drake Maye on a rookie deal and in need of a true blindside protector, Eliot Wolf and company would be wise to opt for the sure commodity rather than rolling the dice in the draft. There’s no slam-dunk tackle this April.
Stanley is a sure thing. There’s no “maybe this right tackle can play left tackle” discussion like last season. He won’t cost any trade or draft assets, only money. So the Patriots should simply pay up.
If the Patriots end up with the No. 2 pick do they trade down for more picks? — Miller
Yes indeed.
Somebody will likely want to jump up to get a quarterback and the Patriots are all set there. It’s the rest of the roster that’s lacking. So if the Patriots land at No. 2 overall, they should sell that pick, provided a team out there meets a reasonable asking price. Whether it’s the offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver room or linebackers, are plenty of holes that need to be patched up. The more assets, the better.
What are the chances good coordinators or free agents want to come to the Patriots with the rumors about both the head coach and GM? — @Foodyguy1
I think those are two different questions, but neither answer is good.
The Patriots weren’t an attractive destination for coordinators last offseason — lest we forget, even Nick Caley turned them down — and given Jerod Mayo’s underwhelming first season, I’d be surprised if any would be leaping at those gigs now. Why hitch their wagon to New England when Mayo could be out if the 2025 season looks like 2024? Feels far from stable.
As for free agents, a coaching change wouldn’t alter things as much, but the Patriots still have work to do to make Foxborough an attractive destination again. The team isn’t good and most NFL players aren’t from the northeast. Their best selling points are two things: Guaranteed money and Drake Maye.
Is Robert Kraft going to spend to the cap next season? — Robert D.
Recent history says no, but we shall see.
Do we think Hunter Henry has a revenge game vs the Chargers? Would be nice to see a big game out of him just so he can stick it to them — @theyfwquintin
Henry speaks of his time with the Chargers fondly, so I don’t think sticking it to them is his motivation, but I’d expect him to be productive given how good he’s been this year. In his ninth season, Henry has already set career highs with 66 catches and 674 receiving yards.
What’s the one change on the coaching staff is most likely? — Jason S.
Parting ways with wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes.
Does Maye have any authority to call an audible? — Jim C.
Yes.
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