3 free agent do-overs for Patriots from 2024

LT Tyron Smith

Among the many positions the Patriots needed to address this offseason on the offense was the offensive line, mainly left tackle. It has been one of the more problematic parts of the unit over the last several years, despite Trent Brown's presence.

The now Cincinnati Bengal had been a solid player in his second tenure in New England, even playing a stretch of last season as the best lineman on the team. But his consistency and motivation issues reared its ugly head, causing him to seemingly check out before the end of the year on top of dealing with a few nagging injuries.

The thought was his departure would prompt Mayo and Wolf to prioritize finding his replacement in free agency, yet that's not exactly what they did. They signed Chukwuma Okorafor to play the position but he's not been named the day one starter just yet.

They then drafted a few linemen in the draft, which also didn't sit right with fans and reporters, as they hope to have Caedan Wallace switch from right to left tackle.

Because of that, signing a guy like Tyron Smith, a proven veteran who would have set the left side of the offensive line better than almost anyone, would have been the wisest decision.

His age isn't necessarily favorable since he's 33, but his presence would have allowed the younger players more time to learn and develop before being thrown into the lineup as the only ones on the roster capable of performing the position. On top of that, Smith's performance has been even better than Brown's over the years, making Brissett and Maye's job much easier this fall.

The longtime Cowboy has allowed just 29 sacks during his 13-year career, compared to Brown, who allowed 12 over the last three years. Smith would have been the caliber of protection the Patriots were hoping for and then some. Instead, Aaron Rodgers will benefit from his production next year.

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