Patriots need to go beyond just showing interest in Pro Bowl left tackle

The long-awaited update from Jerod Mayo about the Patriots' interest in improving the offensive line has finally become a reality, at least according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. It would have been nice to have come sooner rather than right at the time of the trade deadline, but it's a positive development nonetheless.

Fowler revealed the Patriots had been interested in left tackle Cam Robinson before the Jaguars traded him to the Vikings last week. He would have been a solid addition to the offensive line, especially since the left tackle continues to be a sore spot of the group.

Fortunately, Robinson isn't the only player they have had their eye on in recent weeks.

Instead of focusing on just players they could trade for, the new regime has also taken an interest in free agent left tackle D.J. Humphries. The former longtime Cardinal suffered a torn ACL at the end of the 2023 season and has been recovering since. He had a workout with the Giants last month to no avail and remains available for the Patriots to sign.

Although he's far from the perfect candidate, given his recent injury history, Humphries has been as solid as they come for Arizona's offensive line. He had been a starter since he was drafted in 2016 and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021.

He would instantly help stabilize the run game and provide stellar protection for Drake Maye, who has been dealing with league-high pressure rates over the last four games. Humphries has plenty of experience in blocking for more mobile quarterbacks, having played with Kyler Murray for five years. This would allow Maye to continue playing how he does but also give him the privilege not to do too much, like he did against the Titans.

Because he suffered a concussion while running the football, it would be great to add security to the offensive line to ease the pressure on Maye to overperform and overcompensate for a lack of a suitable offensive line.

Humphries could be that guy. It'll be interesting to see how far the Patriots' interest goes, especially at the halfway point in the season. Because of that, however, they could bring in the veteran for a cheaper price. Even if they don't see him as the long-term solution, he could bring enough positive production this year to help Maye enough to win more games.

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