After watching the 2024 season unfold in New England, it was abundantly clear what positions the Patriots needed to prioritize in free agency and the draft this year. For good reason, they are expected to primarily focus on the offense, and that has been most of what reports have indicated over the past few weeks.
They have already been connected to multiple receivers, most notably Tee Higgins, and speculated to be in on several offensive linemen since that is the other position that desperately needs to be upgraded.
A few of the top names have already been eliminated from contention, as they are expected to receive new contracts with their current team. According to the latest chatter coming out of the NFL Combine, the Patriots' most desired left tackle target will likely be unavailable soon as well, which is not a great sign for perhaps their most dire of roster needs.
The Ravens plan to re-sign LT Ronnie Stanley is terrible news for the Patriots' free agency hopes
With the most cap space to use on free agents and many roster holes to fill before next season begins, the Patriots couldn't be in a better position to drastically makeover the team this offseason.
Unfortunately, they're running into some issues that are making their hopes seem like dreams, at this point, especially surrounding acquiring a starting left tackle to secure the offensive line enough to put Drake Maye in a good position to be successful in his second year.
They have already missed out on the top expected targets like Alaric Jackson, who the Rams plan to keep around, and now it looks like they will also be stripped of the chance to sign Ronnie Stanley, as the latest reporting claims the Ravens intend to re-sign him soon.
"The sense out of Indy is that the Ravens and left tackle Ronnie Stanley can agree to terms on an extension in the coming days. That's hardly a slam dunk, but there's a sentiment to try to make that happen." - @JFowlerESPN
— Nick Cattles (@NickCRadio) March 2, 2025
Related: Patriots get more competition for top position of need from division rival
This update is the absolute last thing the Patriots need and could ultimately force them to find their next starting left tackle in the draft, as their options are nearly nonexistent with Stanley off the table.
Considering how dire it is for Mike Vrabel to get the necessary talent on the offensive line, especially when the right tackle is far from secured, it's not a great situation. Fortunately, they do have some contenders for that spot already on the roster, like Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson, but we'll have to see how they look in the spring and during training camp before assuming either has the job.
Left tackle has been a problem for a long time, so it is presumed to be the focus of Vrabel's offseason plans. That will be a lot tougher now with Stanley likely out of the picture and will inevitably put immense pressure on the new head coach to figure out a solution.