Patriots miss out on big-time favorite to sign during 2025 free agency
It might be the end of Week 13 of the 2024 season, but most Patriots fans are already looking ahead to next year's free agency and draft in hopes of lessening the pain of another disappointing and losing season. Because of that, several positions are becoming the focus of improvement, with the free agent class being the first to pick from, and the Patriots have a lot of cap space to spend yet again.
Because they already have their quarterback, the priority then shifts to a few positions: cornerback, EDGE, offensive line, and wide receiver. Most can be addressed with free agent signings, and in some cases, that would be the best scenario, given that it would add much-needed veteran experience to the team. But others will be addressed in the draft, as the upcoming free agent classes aren't deep in every area.
Perhaps the weakest of all is offensive tackle, particularly left tackle, a position that has evaded the Patriots for a number of years. The departure of initial starter Chukwuma Okorafor was a big hit after Week 1, and since then, the team has struggled to find a reliable option. Although Vederian Lowe has been (mostly) suitable, performances like his game against the Dolphins aren't acceptable.
That makes the upcoming free agents even more enticing for the team. Unfortunately, they missed out on another player they would have had the opportunity to sign to a big contract, which is the now-extended Walker Little of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Patriots options at left tackle in 2025 continue to dwindle
It might be too early to hit the panic button regarding the Patriots' options at left tackle next year, but seeing the list of options continue to dwindle doesn't bring much optimism that they'll be able to fill the much-needed role before the draft.
Contributing to that fear is the Jaguars' recent extension of Walker Little, who will remain in Jacksonville through the 2027 season. He was expected to be one of the top free agents in the spring, and now the Patriots won't have the chance to sign him.
A new deal in Jacksonville hours before today’s game vs. Houston: Jaguars are signing their starting left tackle Walker Little to a three-year, $45 million extension that includes $26 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal ties Little to Jacksonville through the 2027 season. pic.twitter.com/42ICzR88VN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2024
Although he might not have been on their radar or their first choice, Little has been a solid starter since he joined the league in 2021. He's allowed just seven sacks in four years and nine quarterback hits, which is a shocking difference from what the Patriots have had at the position for a few years.
This will inevitably force the new regime to examine who will be available to sign and whether any are worthy of a contract for a very needy position. It could become apparent that drafting their next left tackle is their best option, but we won't know until free agency begins in March.
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