The New England Patriots enter free agency on Monday, March 9, with several positions of need. Releasing Stefon Diggs has elevated the receiver to be on par with offensive tackle and guard, and the edge. Tackle is a pressing need, since the 2025 starter at right tackle, Morgan Moses, is 35 years old, and a replacement is essential this season or definitely next.
Bleacher Report has suggested a little-spoken-about free agent tackle, Braxton Jones from the Bears, as an option for the Patriots.
Mike Vrabel has stated that Will Campbell, last season's fourth-overall draft pick, will be his left tackle. Campbell struggled due to a balky knee and perhaps some core strength issues. Both can and should be rectified this offseason. But right tackle and the backup swing tackle positions need a serious infusion of talent, and one place to do so is free agency.
Signing a younger veteran tackle and then drafting an offensive tackle high in the draft is an optimum strategy. The veteran can be the swing replacement tackle, and the rookie can be groomed to either start next season or step right into the right tackle spot this season if he outshines Moses and the free agent.
Mike Vrabel needs to add an offensive tackle or two this offseason
The Patriots' 2025 offensive line, despite the team's superb season, allowed far too many sacks. They surrendered 47 in the regular season and another whopping 21 in the postseason, highlighted by six in the Super Bowl that helped cost them the game.
They need multiple additions at both tackle and guard, and some 2025 players should be moved out.
Bleacher Report has named top value free agents for NFL teams and has selected a young veteran offensive tackle, the soon-to-be-27-year-old, 6'5", 303-pound Braxton Jones of the Bears, among its suggestions for the Patriots.
"The Upside: The four-year veteran should have a chance to keep evolving in his age-27 season. He ranked 17th among 85 qualified tackles with an 80.8 pass blocking PFF grade in 2024 before a knee injury cost him the lion's share of his 2025 campaign.Â
The Risk Factors:Â That knee issue, along with injuries that kept Jones off the field for a chunk of games in both 2023 and 2024. He's also somewhat of a liability as a run-blocker.Â
Why There's Value: There's an "out of sight, out of mind" factor for a strong pass protector with considerable left tackle experience while the rest of the league locks in on Rasheed Walker. He could pay off big time on a prove-it deal. "
Bleacher Report suggests a one-year $6M deal might get this done (add a team option, please), and it makes perfect sense for Vrabel if Jones checks out physically. He's an experienced, veteran left tackle with positional flexibility.
If he can nudge Moses out of the picture at right tackle, fine. If not, he can slot in immediately as the swing tackle.
Braxton Jones is great free agent offensive tackle option for Mike Vrabel
Barring signing a solid free agent offensive tackle, Vrabel will need to go very early in the draft to select one, maybe even in the first round. Signing Jones if he's healthy would allow him to perhaps defer that for a round or even two to attend to other needs.
Even if Jones needs a bit more time to properly heal, if he's expected back in the first month or two of the season, Vrabel can go with Moses or the rookie, and then he'll get Jones back early on to either start right away or be the top backup.
As Bleacher Report suggests, Jones is a nice value signing for the Patriots, if they can get him. And should Campbell get dinged up, he'll seamlessly slot in at left tackle in a pinch. This is the type of low-level, under-the-radar signing that can make a season.
There will be injuries upfront, and if you have the quality depth to step in when they occur, you'll be a winner. Sign Braxton Jones if he's healthy.