Critical O-Line Options for Patriots Shrink as NFL Free Agency Approaches

The New England Patriots are on the lookout for ways to improve their offensive line. They have the funds and the motivation, but whether they can find the right players in free agency remains uncertain.

With the free agency window opening soon, some of the top offensive linemen are already being signed or tagged by their teams. Just recently, two potential targets for the Patriots were taken off the market.

The Kansas City Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on guard Trey Smith. This means he can still be signed by another team, but the Patriots likely won’t want to give up two first-round draft picks to acquire him.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams extended tackle Alaric Jackson’s contract for three years at $57 million. As an undrafted rookie in 2021, Jackson has become a key player on their offensive line, starting 38 games in the last two seasons. He could have been a good option for the Patriots.

Other top linemen may also choose to stay with their teams. Ronnie Stanley, the left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, is expected to finalize an agreement to stay put. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence in reaching a deal, saying they expect a good discussion about Stanley’s contract. Head coach John Harbaugh echoed this optimism, indicating they want to keep him on the team.

If Smith, Jackson, and Stanley all end up staying with their teams, the Patriots might need to explore other options. They could look at players like Patrick Mekari, Cam Robinson, Dan Moore, and Jedrick Wills, who are viewed as secondary targets.

Additionally, the Patriots could consider trades or look for players who might be released due to salary cap issues. The NFL Draft is also an opportunity for them to add fresh talent to the offensive line, which could be one of their biggest needs heading into next season.

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