Patriots Linked to Big-Name Free Agent About to Hit Market
By Jovan Alford
The New England Patriots will be one of the biggest spenders in free agency as they have the most cap space in the league, according to OverTheCap. The Patriots have a lot of holes to fix on their roster this offseason, including the offensive line.
New England will likely lose veteran left tackle Trent Brown in free agency, which is a huge hole they must fill. The good news for the Patriots is that the perfect replacement is available.
Patriots Rumors: New England Wants to Find Starting-Caliber Tackle in Free Agency
Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reported Sunday that the Patriots are expected to pursue former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith when NFL free agency begins.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that Smith is unlikely to return to Dallas next season. The 33-year-old Smith is one of the best offensive linemen in the league when healthy.
After only playing in four games in 2022 because of multiple injuries, Smith played 13 games this past season and helped anchor the Cowboys’ offensive line. For his solid season, he was named second-team All-Pro and graded as the fourth-best tackle (83.7) by Pro Football Focus.
If the Patriots are set on drafting a quarterback with the third overall pick, they must make the offensive line a priority. New England’s offensive line allowed 48 sacks this past season, which isn’t horrible. But when you play in a division featuring the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and the New York Jets, the quarterback must be protected.
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