The New England Patriots' offensive line needs improvement without a doubt. After swapping out four starters from the 2024 season, the line improved in 2025 but struggled massively in the playoffs.
Drake Maye exceeded Joe Burrow's sack total, becoming the most sacked quarterback in playoff history. The Patriots allowed 5+ sacks in all four matchups, something they did four times in their previous 17.
Without a doubt, the most troubling piece to the offensive line was Will Campbell. He allowed 14 pressures in the Super Bowl, the most of any lineman all year across the entire league. 56% of Seattle's pressure on Maye came from the defender lined up on Campbell.
Campbell was the biggest offender, but not the only. Left guard Jared Wilson had a shaky playoffs, while Garrett Bradbury's 6 pressures allowed in the Super Bowl were tied for his most all season. Wholesale changes may be needed.
The Patriots could look to Rasheed Walker to improve their offensive line
If New England wants to take a big swing in free agency to improve their offensive line, they may have the opportunity to do so. Centers Tyler Linderbaum and Connor McGovern have yet to be extended, while David Edwards and Teven Jenkins are potential upgrades at guard.
While the tackle class has less depth, it does feature a playoff starter in Rasheed Walker.
A 7th-round pick from Penn State in 2022, Walker took over the left tackle job after David Bakhtiari went down with an injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season. Walker has started every game for the Packers since, allowing 14 sacks across the last three seasons. This season, he retained his starting left tackle job over Jordan Morgan, the Packers' No. 25 pick in 2024.
Walker is no doubt a solid player, but the Packers will need to make some tough decisions this offseason. The ownership entrusted Matt LaFleur with the team's future despite some suspect playoff performances over the past few seasons, extending his contract.
Green Bay is also sitting $1.5 million over the cap. While bringing Walker back could be a priority, they also may feel comfortable spending money elsewhere and moving Morgan back to his collegiate position.
Signing Rasheed Walker wouldn't be the right move for New England
While Walker would be an immediate upgrade over Campbell, I'm not certain that's a move worth making at the moment, and it seems all too obvious New England won't make that kind of move. Mike Vrabel put his full faith in Campbell to be the team's left tackle of the future, saying he won't move to guard anymore than he'd move to tight end.
Walker being inked to a massive contract to play right tackle also seems unlikely. While Morgan Moses will turn 35 this spring, his successor will likely be a draft pick. Recently, Utah's Caleb Lomu and Alabama's Kadyn Proctor have been mentioned as potential picks at No. 31.
There hasn't been any news about Moses retiring and forgoing the remainder of his contract, and that's the only reality in which I can see Walker being signed.
Bleacher Report estimates Walker at $22 million per season. While New England does have the money to sign him, investing that money in a top-of-the-line center, like Linderbaum, would be a better option.
Alternatively, signing Edwards to provide a veteran presence alongside Campbell would likely be a more effective use of their money.