The Patriots' offensive line has been a constant struggle over the last several years, after losing their most dependable players to injury, retirement, or Bill Belichick's decision-making, and unfortunately, that appears to be carrying into the 2026 season.
They arguably have an improved group from last year, with the addition of Alijah Vera-Tucker at left guard and moving Jared Wilson to center. But the group's depth is still concerning, particularly after last week's preseason game.
Two linemen went down with injuries against the Colts, backup center Ben Brown first, followed by backup guard Andrew Rupcich. From initial reports, Brown's injury doesn't appear to be anything that should keep him out too long, but the same can't be said about Rupcich, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
This all comes just days after the Patriots decided to trade 2024 third-round pick Caedan Wallace, who played across the offensive line in the two years he was with the team. Because he couldn't beat out his teammates for a prominent role, he was let go, only for it to look like a regrettable decision not long after.
Besides wanting Wallace back for the clear need for roster depth, it's also already a gut punch to see him doing well with the Dolphins, whom he signed with almost immediately after he was released.
Deciding to cut Caedan Wallace might come back to haunt the Patriots already
At this stage of the offseason, teams are having to make some difficult decisions with their roster and cross their fingers they aren't going to regret anything they choose to do, or not do.
That's the current situation the Patriots are in with their offensive line, and it only makes the situation worse to see one of their recently cut players already looking much better with his new team, especially when they're in the division.
The good thing is that Wallace will magically make the Dolphins a legitimate threat in the AFC East, so the Patriots won't have to kick themselves for releasing him. But if they deal with any more injuries on the offensive line, whether before or during the season, they will wish they didn't have to watch him play well for a team like the Dolphins.
Given that we're still a few weeks away from the start of the regular season, the Patriots are still in a position to sign a free agent or two to boost their depth, and that's exactly what they'll need to do if they want to be comfortable with their roster and also ensure that Drake Maye is going to be in the best situation possible.
Because it was one of their biggest struggles in 2025, it's crucial that it won't be their kryptonite again this year, even if Maye showed he could overcome that issue.
Unfortunately, few linemen will make a significant difference, but with roster cuts right around the corner, there's a good chance they could steal a player another team cut. That might be their best option.
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