After a successful 2025 season, which saw the Patriots make the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots season came to an end after losing to the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13. As successful as this season was, the Patriots have room to improve if they want to return to the Super Bowl.
The top spot for New England to improve is the offensive line, specifically the left guard spot. Rookie Jared Wilson had good moments, but is best suited to play center. Moving Wilson to center then makes left guard the top need.
On the roster, you have Ben Brown, who stepped in when Wilson was out, with another option being addressing the need in the draft. Though those are options the Patriots could pursue, the best thing would be to bring in a veteran in free agency. By adding another veteran to the line, both Wilson and left tackle Will Campbell would benefit from having someone with experience next to them.
Free Agency has two good options to target, lets look at each of the players.
1. Kevin Zeitler
If you want experience on the offensive line, nobody in free agency has more than Kevin Zeitler. Zeitler just played in his 14th season this past year and showed he can still play at a quality level. Of all the guards entering free agency this offseason, Zeitler should be the first to get a call from the Patriots.
Throughout his career, Zeitler has played for multiple teams and helped many offensive lines. He also has experience playing in the playoffs, which would be valuable when mentoring the young linemen with whom he'd be around.
As good an option as Zeitler is, two questions exist that could affect his decision to come here. First, Zeitler has traditionally played right guard during his career. While Zeitler has experience playing left guard with the Baltimore Ravens, it was for one season. If Zeitler prefers to play right guard, then it would make sense for the Patriots to look elsewhere.
Secondly, Zeitler is closer to the end of his career. At 35 years old, who knows how many seasons Zeitler has left in the NFL? Adding Zeitler is more of a stopgap, rather than a permanent solution to the issue. Should the Patriots not care about this, and he is okay playing left guard, Zeitler is a great option the Patriots should consider when free agency begins.
2. David Edwards
An interesting target for the Patriots would be Buffalo Bills left guard David Edwards. Not only would adding Edwards be a good option for the Patriots, but you would also harm a division rival. At 28 years old, Edwards also has experience that would be valuable to Campbell and Wilson, while also having many years left of playing.
Similar to Zeitler, Edwards also has experience playing at both guard spots, but has spent more time at left guard rather than right guard. This could make him a more likely candidate since no issues would arise over his playing left guard. We've also seen Edwards play in the postseason many times, including being a starter for the Los Angeles Rams when they won the Super Bowl in the 2021 season.
One reason the Patriots may not sign Edwards is that his contract could become too expensive for the Patriots. New England could prefer someone cheaper, which would allow them more cap flexibility to improve the roster.