Top 3 New England Patriots free agents that need to be re-signed
New England Patriots free agent that needs to be re-signed No. 2: Trent Brown
The 2021 season didn’t get off to a great start for Trent Brown. After getting traded back to the Patriots from the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason, Brown suffered a calf injury just seven snaps into the season, and wouldn’t find his way back to the field until Week 10. But once he did, the Patriots offensive line finally found their rhythm.
Brown took back his spot at right tackle and the offense was instantly better. Brown would consistently open up huge holes for the ground game to take advantage of, and he remained as solid as ever in pass protection. When you are going up against a guy who is 6’8, 380 pounds, you aren’t going to get by him very often.
He may not have had his best season to date, but Brown is going to be a hot commodity on the market if he opts to test it. The demand for capable tackles in the NFL has really never been higher, and when he’s healthy, Brown is one of the best in the game. If the Patriots want to keep their most prized possession, Mac Jones, healthy for the foreseeable future, they should do whatever it takes to bring back Brown.
The good thing is it seems fairly reasonable to expect both sides to find common ground. Brown seemed thrilled to be back in New England after two rough seasons with the Raiders, and he’s already getting pitches made to him by guys like Kendrick Bourne for him to stay with the Pats. It wouldn’t surprise me if the two sides were able to reach a deal before free agency begins.
Brown is a bit of unicorn of sorts in the NFL, and his return to the team would ensure the Patriots offensive line would have some much needed continuity moving forward. Brown can play both of the tackle positions on the line in a pinch, and he rarely allows his opponent to get the better of him. Bringing Brown back has to be the top priority for the offense this offseason, and they could end up paying dearly if they end up letting him walk.