The New England Patriots should be aggressive in the NFL free agency market. Either that, or they'll consign themselves back to the bottom of the AFC East, where they've resided after the past two offseasons. Speculation is rife that with roughly $127M in cap space (the most in the NFL), the Patriots will be a big player in free agency. Let's hope so. The needs are huge.
The top positions that must be filled this offseason are offensive left tackle (and O-tackles generally), edge, wide receiver, and defensive tackle. There are others, but if you're looking to add top-quality players, there's only so much you can do in free agency even with $125M to spend.
The draft can fill a few needs, but free agency can virtually guarantee top, proven NFL stars if you're willing to pony up the cash. A position that screams for such an investment is the second most important one on the team, left tackle. The Patriots have none. There are several top free agents, but one is the best option for the Pats.
The Patriots' best free agent offensive left tackle is ...
The top guys at OLT have been outlined here. But one stands out as the best. He's from the LA Rams and it's Alaric Jackson. Evan Massey of si.com has this to say about the giant, former Iowa Hawkeye tackle,
"Alaric Jackson, the free agent offensive tackle from the Los Angeles Rams, was a standout during his time at Iowa. Now, he'll be looking to cash in on his impressive play with a big pay day in free agency.
"Standing in at 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds, Jackson is an incredibly intimidating physical presence. With quite a few teams around the NFL needing help on the line, he could end up being a highly sought after player this offseason."
Indeed, as Massey notes, he is and will be in demand and the Patriots should be at the top of the list of suitors. No team needs an infusion of top talent more than the Patriots. Specifically, their 2024 offensive line was an embarrassment to lousy offensive lines.
The O-line needs two new tackles and more. First up has to be the left tackle, a quarterback's best friend who plays on an island. If you think a right tackle can seamlessly slot in on the left, as the Patriots naively thought last offseason, get ready for another 3-14 or 4-13 season. Think that way this off-season, and 2025 is a lost cause before it begins.
Fortunately, it appears that Mike Vrabel will run personnel. He'll know that you are toast if you don't have a left tackle protecting your right-handed QB (Drake Maye). Vrabel is no amateur. Expect a top left tackle to be added, and free agency is probably the best place to acquire one.
Why Alaric Jackson is the Patriots' best free agency option at LT
As Evan Massey noted about Jackson, he's huge at 6'7" tall and 345 pounds. Bigger and longer is better at left tackle, and he's almost as big as they come. In addition, he's started 29 games at left tackle in the past two seasons for the playoff-bound Rams. That means experience in big games.
Another huge plus for Jackson is that he won't turn 27 until July. He's just entering his prime and only going to get better. The Patriots signing Jackson is thus a long-term investment, not a stop-gap. He'll be in Foxborough with Drake Maye for the long haul.
If the Patriots are going to invest in a left tackle (and they should), then it behooves them to sign one who meets the size profile; who is young and entering his prime; and, who has the required track record. Jackson is Pro Football Focus's fourth-ranked 2025 free-agent offensive tackle.
Signing Alaric Jackson ticks all the boxes for the Patriots in 2025 free agency. The advice to Mike Vrabel is to pay (or even overpay) the freight to land Jackson. It's an investment that sets the foundation for a terrific offseason, and allows you to go in another direction with your No. 4 draft pick while protecting your outstanding young QB, Drake Maye. What better way can you start an offseason?