Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: OT Cameron Fleming
This morning, we’re deciding about whether or not the New England Patriots should re-sign restricted free agent Cameron Fleming.
Answer: YES
After appearing in nine games as a rookie in 2014, Fleming was one of the Patriots’ surprise cuts at the end of preseason. However, he was quickly signed to the practice squad, where he resided until Nate Solder was placed on injured reserve. Fleming spent the rest of 2015 on the active roster.
Look, Fleming is a decent player, but he is not the guy you want protecting Tom Brady’s blind side. That is exactly what transpired, however, in the AFC Championship Game and it cost the Patriots dearly.
Boston.com’s Henry McKenna ranked Fleming 37 out of the Patriots’ top 53 players in the 2015. Here is McKenna’s justification:
"He went from the practice squad to Brady’s blindside in a matter of weeks, and he’d never protected a high school or college quarterback’s blindside—let alone Brady’s."
Since being selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Fleming has served the Patriots best as a depth offensive lineman. Hopefully in 2016, the Patriots address their need at offensive tackle so that Fleming can go back to spot duty instead of starting.
From the Cameron Fleming vault:
Patriots kick-off in 71 days: Profiling No. 71 Cameron Fleming
Credit must be given where credit is due, however—Fleming is one of the smartest players in the NFL having obtained a double major in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford.
Despite his shortcomings in the playoffs, Fleming should be re-signed by the Pats next month. He is a big guy at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, and a solid backup when he is just that—a backup.
Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: DB Brandon King
Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: OT LaAdrian Waddle
Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: RB Steven Jackson
Next: 10 Long-term positives from Patriots’ 2015 season
Be sure to check back on Musket Fire each day for analysis on all of the Patriots’ free agents in which we answer the question of whether or not the Patriots should re-sign said player.