The Patriots can use additional depth on the offensive line. Mike Vrabel bolstered this weak unit with additions during the offseason, but more would still be advisable. The offensive line is the key to the entire offense, and being solid there is imperative for a playoff contender.
Vrabel added Morgan Moses at right tackle, filling a gaping hole there. He also replaced center David Andrews, who was released, with veteran Garrett Bradbury. Both are expected to start at their respective positions. The team also drafted the best tackle in the draft to play left tackle, Will Campbell, who will start, and another left tackle, Marcus Bryant, for depth.
One position that can still use bolstering, though, is offensive guard. The presumptive starter on the right side is Mike Onwenu, assuming he reports to camp in playing shape. Conversely, the left guard position is wide open and available for the taking.
Free agent veteran guard Will Hernandez would be a solid addition
There is an interesting free-agent offensive guard option still available for the Patriots. ESPN's Matt Bowen listed the top remaining free agents and one veteran guard he noted would fit the Patriots' needs.
"A knee injury cut Hernandez's 2024 season short after just five games. The veteran guard had a pass block win rate over 94% in each of the past three seasons, and he's a physical run blocker. His footwork on contact and his power pop on tape. At age 30, he could still be a starter."
Hernandez is a 6'2", 332-pound seven-year veteran who most recently spent three seasons in Arizona. His 2024 campaign was cut short by that knee injury. Yet, assuming he's healthy, he could slot in at left guard and probably be a better option than anyone who filled the position in 2024.
Hernandez, if healthy, would start at left guard
The Pats' situation at left guard is a muddled mess. It's the weakest position on the offensive line, and no available candidate stands out. Among the hopefuls are former first-round pick Cole Strange; former fourth-round picks, Sidy Sow and Layden Robinson; and possibly 2025 third-rounder, Jared Wilson, though he's missed the camps due to injury.
If healthy, Wilson is probably the best player, but he can't be counted on at the moment. That's where Hernandez comes into the picture. At only 30 years old, he's a viable option, and as ESPN's Bowen pointed out, he's both an effective pass-blocker and can plow the road in the running game, as well.
If Hernandez's health checks out, the Patriots could do worse than signing him to a one-year "show me" deal and letting him try to win the job at left guard. There's little doubt that if he's fit, he'll take the job and add quality to the front-line protectors of Drake Maye. If not, Brandon Scherff is another possibility. It's worth a flyer on either of them.