The New England Patriots had one of the worst offensive lines in football last season without a doubt. Four of five starters are new in '25, and last year's starters haven't found greener pastures.
Starting left tackle Vederian Lowe is now the second swing tackle, Cole Strange is a backup with the Dolphins, and Demontrey Jacobs is a backup on the Cardinals. Ben Brown managed to nab the top interior backup role with New England.
It was rumored that the Patriots were interested in then-Jaguar Cam Robinson, a left tackle who had lost his job to the younger Walker Little. The Patriots passed on making a move for him, and instead, the Vikings sent a mid-round pick to the AFC South team after star Christian Darrisaw suffered an injury.
The former Alabama player graded out to a 63.2 PFF grade, playing the second-most snaps in a season in his career. It was also just his second time cracking the 1,000 mark. Despite all this, the Patriots seem lucky not to have pulled the trigger on a trade for him.
The Texans trading Cam Robinson proves the Patriots dodged a bullet
After the Vikings were eliminated in the playoffs, Robinson signed a one-year deal worth $12 million with the Houston Texans. He played Week 1, starting at left tackle. He then lost the job to second-round pick Aireontae Ersery, who found himself the starter on the left side. Despite the 1-3 start, the Texans are satisfied with the Minnesota alum's play to this point and opted to ship out Robinson.
On Monday, the former second-round pick was dealt to the Browns for a swap of late-round picks. Robinson dealt with a knee injury for most of camp. Now 29 and on his fourth team in two seasons, it seems his time in the league might be waning. While the Patriots could have made a move for him midseason, he clearly would have been a short-term fix to their long-term problem at left tackle.
Additionally, then starter Vederian Lowe allowed a sack every 160.6 downs played last year, while Robinson did so every 133.9. Robinson had as many flags thrown against him, too. While the name value would have been greater, it's doubtful the outcome would've been much different.
Additionally, had Robinson been a Patriot, it could have dissuaded them from selecting Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick.
This is a will Campbell tweet. Wow.
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 25, 2025
📸: @PattonAnalytics pic.twitter.com/4naRdWCZXy
All in all, you have to be pretty happy with how the Cam Robinson trade situation worked out in New England.