5 Free Agent Targets to Prepare the Patriots for a Rookie Quarterback
By Ryan Bunton
1. Tyron Smith
With Trent Brown out of the door after a tumultuous season, the paramount starting left tackle position is vacant in New England. The Patriots have agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, but Okorafor should project as a depth tackle and New England would presumably be looking for a bonafide stud at the position.
At 33 years old, Smith has put together quite the distinguished career to date. He is a two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, and eight-time Pro Bowler. Smith was also recognized as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Keeping the rookie quarterback upright and comfortable in the pocket will be critical to their development, and as mentioned earlier, New England ranked second-to-last in ESPN's pass-blocking win rate metric in 2023, and that was with Brown and Mike Onwenu on the roster.
Surrounding a rookie quarterback with a turnstile offensive line is chapter one of "how to ruin a young quarterback", a book that we just watched New England write with Mac Jones. The Patriots simply have to be better, much better, in the trenches this season. The young QB will be the franchise's most valuable investment, and they will have to pay a premium to protect that investment.
Smith only allowed one sack last season and is ranked as the fourth-best overall free agent of the class, and will likely demand a hefty price tag. He should be worth every penny.
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