New England Patriots: Grading recent free agent signings
Offensive Tackle; Matt Tobin
Replacing Nate Solder is not going to be an easy thing to do. While Solder isn’t an elite left tackle, he is a solid one. The Patriots weren’t going to break the bank for him, but now have few options replacing him. Tobin will be a part of their attempted solution.
Tobin was an undrafted free agent in 2013, landing with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent four seasons with the team. In 2015, he started 13 games. That was also the only season he appeared in all 16 games. Tobin was with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 after being traded there Aug. 27, 2017.
Tobin appeared in 15 games with the Seahawks but played only 81 snaps. Given how poor the Seahawks offensive line was last season, that isn’t great for Tobin’s standing. He has graded out very poorly at Pro Football Focus as well, with his highest season grade being a 55.6, which came last season. However, the Patriots have Dante Scarnecchia, one of the best offensive line coaches around, to work with Tobin.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move for New England. Tobin won’t cost them much while providing depth along the offensive line. He will most likely compete with 2017 third round pick Anthony Garcia and undrafted free agent Cole Croston. None are great options, but Scarnecchia is very good at his job, and he will have a chance to showcase those talents this year.
This move comes with almost no risk for New England. They could also bring back LaAdrian Waddle or Cameron Fleming if they want to add more depth as well.