New report proves Patriots are making another big mistake with their roster

The most concerning issues facing the Patriots coming into the 2024 season have already proven to be the worst mistakes the new regime made when putting together this season's roster. While they made some effort to formulate an improved offensive line by selecting two linemen in the draft, their neglect of finding an adequate replacement for Trent Brown at left tackle was apparent.

It's been the leading cause of most of the group's issues, with their first starting left tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor, leaving the team after Week 1 and his backups falling like dominoes with injuries in the three games since. And now, they're going to be without their best starter, as David Andrews will undergo season-ending surgery.

This leaves very little for the Patriots staff to do since starting quality offensive linemen don't grow on trees nor do they often become available via trade.

However, that shouldn't stop them from looking at the unsigned free agents that would be instant upgrades for the current roster, even if there is plenty of reasons to explain why they are still not playing for a team this year.

Analysts and fans have demanded it since their blowout loss to the 49ers last Sunday, and it seems like the perfect time to inquire about bringing in some more talent. The problem is that the latest report claims one of the top free agent left tackles is not on the Patriots' radar, which is a significant problem considering how their roster currently stands.

The regime in New England needs to change their roster building philosophy ASAP to save the season

Plenty of speculation has suggested that the best route for Mayo and Co. to take is to make some calls to the talent still available, including David Bakhtiari, D.J. Humphries and Charles Leno.

While they might not be the most desirable options due to their age and/or injury history, the Patriots don't have much to lose by signing any of them, especially when they still have nearly $40 million in cap space to be spent in this very kind of situation.

However, the latest report from the Boston Globe's Christopher Price reveals that the team has not reached out to Leno, one of the top candidates they could afford to bring in. It's a disappointing development that could become one of their biggest mistakes of the season.

There is no other current reporting stating whether other players have been called, but if the best player available still hasn't been spoken to, it's fair to assume the other options haven't either.

Given the situation, it doesn't make sense for Mayo not to inquire about their availability or desire to come to New England. They would be an instant starter at left tackle and could dramatically improve the offense's ability to do almost anything, which hasn't been the case thus far.

It's becoming a problem that will dictate their fate for the rest of the season, so further ignoring it will only make it worse, which isn't a great look for the new head coach and his staff.

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