Of the many groups in need of a lot of depth this offseason, the Patriots' offensive line might be near the top. With an aging right tackle in Morgan Moses and a second-year lineman moving from the starting left guard to center, they need to add adequate depth to ensure they're in a better spot than they were last season, particularly late in the year.
It's likely what led them to sign James Hudson, who is coming off a single season spent with the Giants.
But it was one for the books, as he became infamously known for a horrific drive against the Cowboys in Week 2, in which Hudson was hit with four penalties, including a punch to an opposing player, resulting in an emotional outburst on the sideline that ultimately got him benched.
Obviously, the hope is that he will become the much-needed swing tackle the Patriots have been looking for, since he was drafted as a right tackle but has spent most of his NFL career on the left side, and that he avoids any shenanigans that don't help the team.
That's what the offense is looking for, so there's a good chance for Hudson to get his career back on the right path this year.
Patriots sign a questionable swing tackle to add the depth needed on the offensive line
Because there is a big need to find a proper successor for Moses as soon as the 2027 season, it's inevitable that the Patriots are going to test out several players in that position to see who can take over whenever he decides to retire.
That could be one reason Hudson was brought in, on top of him and Mike Vrabel crossing paths during his one-year stint with the Browns in 2024. That gave the head coach a close look at what kind of player Hudson is and can be, and he clearly sees the value he can bring to the Patriots' offense.
His versatility already makes him a valuable player, and he can fill multiple roles depending on how the 2026 lineup shapes up.
Although his year in Cleveland didn't go all that well, he has shown signs of good pass blocking in his career, and the applaudable Patriots staff can be the best to bring that out in him. He's in good hands with their offensive coaches, and hopefully, they'll be able to make him a viable backup in the way they need him.
It's unlikely that he will be the last offensive lineman that they sign this offseason, and they'll probably add even more depth through the draft. So, because there are some valid questions surrounding Hudson's fit, he might not last through the 2025 season, depending on who else is signed and the competition they bring for the role.