Why it might not be wise to spend big at right tackle
The New England Patriots could use a long-term solution at right tackle, but this might not be the year to spend big at the position.
If there’s any position besides quarterback where there isn’t a ton of high-end talent, it’s the right tackle position. The NFL does have an overall shortage of offensive linemen, but it seems like the right tackle spot is the one position along the OL with the biggest shortage of talent.
Right now, the top three free agents at the right tackle spot are Mike McGlinchey, Kaleb McGary, and Jawaan Taylor.
While those can all be find options, I’m concerned that OL-needy teams will get into a bidding war for each of their services. I’m not sure any of these three players would be worth $15 million per year or more.
I understand that with each passing year in free agency, the markets explode, but none of McGlinchey, McGary, or Taylor are at all close to the formerly mentioned tackles.
Both Kaleb McGary and Jawaan Taylor were below average during their first three years in the NFL. Between a bunch of sacks allowed and countless penalties taken, both were replaceable until this year.
What does it say that both played better than previous seasons in a contract year? Well, you could say that they finally put it all together in year four, or perhaps there’s another reason why they played the best football of their careers.
Mike McGlinchey, to me, is the best of the three, but even in his case, he’s only slightly above average.
All three of these free agent right tackles have positives to their game, but my main concern here is that the Patriots get trapped in a massive contract worth $18 million per year and don’t see the type of play that matches up with the contract.