Pats Pulpit
The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about offensive tackles, the offseason, and more.
The first major check mark in the NFL offseason is about to arrive for the New England Patriots and rest of the league as the Scouting Combine kicks off next week. Beyond the draft prospects being in Indy, the top league executives being in attendance helps sets the stage for free agency.
So let’s talk about it all and get right into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.
What are your favorite choices for free agent offensive tackles? What do you think are the most realistic OT options in FA? Is there any overlap between the two? - Sportzballer
First off, anyone is realistic this offseason due to the money the Patriots can throw at any player (as long as they are willing to take it).
As for the free agent options, Baltimore’s Ronnie Stanley is the top projected option to hit the market after he allowed just two sacks last year. But, it is noteworthy that 2024 marked the first time Stanley, who will be 31 at the start of next season, played over 1,000 snaps since 2019 as he’s consistently battled injuries of late. He also was flagged 15 times last season. Still, Stanley’s ability makes him a logical option for the short-term.
The option that could make the most sense for New England is 26-year old Alaric Jackson. Jackson has protected Matt Stafford’s blindside full-time in Los Angeles the last two years and allowed just four total sacks. Jackson has continued to get better each year he’s played and will certainly get paid if he reaches the open market. For New England, it’d be worthwhile to invest.
One of the more interesting names to watch is Cam Robinson as he was drafted to Jacksonville under now Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone. Robinson has plenty of career experience at left tackle but his 64 pressures were the most allowed by any tackle in the league (with the next closest checking in at 54).
If New England misses out on the top three options for one reason or another, Pittsburgh’s Dan Moore and Cleveland’s Jedrick Wills find themselves in the next left tackle tier. Wills is an interesting name due to the overlap with Mike Vrabel in Cleveland last year, although injuries have also plagued him over the last few seasons.
At right tackle, I would not mind a flyer on Morgan Moses no matter who is acquired to handle left tackle duties. Moses will be 34 at the start of next season but showed the ability to still pass protect — allowing just two sacks and 16 pressures in 14 starts last season. Adding him into the mix with Caedan Wallace could answer questions along the right side.
Lastly, we’ll note the versatile Patrick Mekari. The 27-year old would be a wise addition this offseason due to his ability to fill in anywhere up front as he’s logged over 650 career snaps at...
