Did the Patriots’ free agency period in 2023 get much harder?
Two offensive linemen who were scheduled to be free agents in 2023 got contract extensions on Friday, which makes life harder for the Patriots in 2023. The team’s entire offense has regressed this year, and perhaps no unit has regressed more than the offensive line.
Two of the biggest free agents who were set to hit the market both got deals on Friday. Jack Conklin, right tackle for the Cleveland Browns, and Elgton Jenkins of the Green Bay Packers each got lucrative contract extensions.
This comes as bad news for any team who was looking for elite reinforcements along their offensive lines. The Patriots do have a long-term need at left and right tackle. Both Conklin and Jenkins could have easily solved one of those needs at right tackle, and as a bonus, Jenkins can effectively play inside as well.
Browns and right tackle Jack Conklin reached agreement today on a four-year, $60 million extension that includes $31 million fully guaranteed, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus, who negotiated deal with @JasonRosenhaus, @RyanMatha, Browns’ GM Andrew Berry and Browns’ VP Chris Cooper.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2022
Sure, there would have been a plethora of teams other than the Patriots who would have loved to sign either player, but the point still stands that this does indeed make life a bit harder for New England.
The right tackle spot is especially murky. There are some tier two free agents at this position that could still help. Guys like Mike McGlinchey, Jawaan Taylor, and Billy Turner are solid veterans who could present an upgrade over what the team has dealt with this year.
However, this also might cause teams like New England to put more of a focus into the NFL draft to rebuild their offensive line. Perhaps when the team decides to move away from Matt Patricia as the de-facto offensive coordinator and install a legitimate, offensive minded play-caller, the line itself would improve.
The interior of Cole Strange, David Andrews, and Mike Onwenu is one of the best in the NFL, and even though Trent Brown has his days, he’s still largely good at what he does. Maybe, just maybe the offensive line doesn’t need as much attention as we think, but instead needs some stability with the play-calling.