Even though the New England Patriots have added talent to the offensive side by signing Romeo Doubs and Alijah Vera-Tucker, they still have more work to do. The offensive line has sustained key losses to its depth, with Vederian Lowe signing with the San Francisco 49ers, while Thayer Munford Jr. and Yasir Durant remain free agents.Â
At this point, it’s unlikely that New England will re-sign either player, which means they must look elsewhere for tackle depth. Additionally, they also need insurance in the interior given Vera-Tucker’s injury history and Wilson’s likely transition from starting left guard to center.Â
Although the majority of the top backup options in free agency are off the board, there are still several quality players that the Patriots could bring in at a favorable price. One notable option is former Miami Dolphin James Daniels, who is surprisingly still unsigned and would provide the Patriots with stability in the interior.Â
Patriots Should Pursue James Daniels as Free Agency Continues
Throughout his eight-year career, Daniels has been a dependable contributor in the interior. Daniels has played 91 career games, serving as a starter in 85 of them, with the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins. Across his 3,442 pass-blocking snaps, he's allowed six sacks and 107 hurries.Â
While he’s been a starter for the majority of his career, Daniels’ starting days are likely over. Despite being only 28 years old, the former Iowa Hawkeye has sustained devastating season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons, appearing in just five games.Â
These injury concerns have clearly steered teams away, which has impacted his market as he remains a free agent. While Spotrac projects his market value at $6.8 million, it’s difficult to envision teams offering that kind of money, given his recent lack of availability.Â
Instead, teams would be more inclined to sign him to a cheap, short-term deal similar to those signed by Elijah Wilkinson and Dillon Radunz. If it only takes a two-year, $8 million contract to land Daniels, the Patriots should absolutely jump at the opportunity to sign him.Â
Daniels would provide New England with immediate depth in the interior. Currently, the Patriots have Ben Brown, Caedan Wallace, and Mehki Butler as their backups, and of the three, only Brown has made starts at both guard and center in the last two seasons.Â
While Daniels would compete with Brown to back up for Vera-Tucker and Wilson, he should have the edge over him, considering his experience and solid play in both the run and pass. If an injury were to occur along the line, the Patriots can rely on Daniels to start in the meantime, as he’s proven to be dependable at either guard or center.Â
At this point in free agency, it’s about signing players at a cheaper cost that benefits the team. With Daniels still on the market and arguably one of the better options left at his position, it gives the Patriots a perfect opportunity to strengthen their offensive line at a cheap cost.