The Patriots enter the 2025 offseason needing an integrated strategy combining free agency and the draft as the prime components, but not the only ones. With enough fortitude, trades of NFL-level players on the roster can also be integral to that strategy, as can, Undrafted Free Agency.
Mike Vrabel has options this offseason with $131M or so in cap space, and maybe more if they cut ties with current players. One position that requires a major investment is tackle. Vrabel needs to revamp the entire position. But first, he needs a left tackle (LT).
We'll rank the top four left tackles available in free agency as noted by sports.yahoo.com and quote them on each. Upgrading the second most important position on the team, neglected for years by Bill Belichick and company, is a necessity, not an option. They need a top left tackle, and free agency is one place they may be able to get one.
The Patriots' third and fourth options for left tackle in free agency
The fourth best option the Patriots can consider at left tackle in free agency is Jaylon Moore of San Francisco, an undersized, 6'4", 310-pounder. He played in 15 games for the 49ers last season, starting five. Yahoo says this about the 28-year-old, 4-year veteran,
"Moore filled in for Trent Williams while the San Francisco 49ers’ stud left tackle dealt with an ankle injury in the second half of the 2024 season. The 28-year-old fared well in the role, posting a 74.9 Pro Football Focus grade in 271 snaps to rank sixth among all San Francisco offensive players. With only 12 career starts under his belt, Moore could be the most affordable option on this list."
The operative phrase is "the most affordable option on the list". While LT isn't a position you short-change in investment, it's a consideration. Funds are not inexhaustible. If he signs a team-friendly deal, he's an option but not the best one.
Next up is Dan Moore Jr., a 6'5", 315-pound, 26-year-old from the Steelers. Moore's age and experience at left tackle are positives. He's a durable, long-term option at the position. Here's what Yahoo notes about him,
"Moore struggled toward the end of the 2024 season but finished the campaign ranked 11th among NFLoffensive tackles in pass block win rate. The veteran would bring much-needed stability to the Pats offensive line with more than 4,000 snaps and 66 starts at left tackle in his four-year career."
The top two left tackle options for the Patriots in free agency
Next are the two best LTs available. 29-year-old Cam Robinson from Minnesota/Jacksonville is one. The investment will likely be substantial. Yet, again, money should not deter the Patriots from reinforcing this position. Yahoo notes,
"Robinson reportedly was on the Patriots’ radar at the 2024 trade deadline, but the Jacksonville Jaguars opted to ship him to the Minnesota Vikings. He’d undoubtedly be an upgrade, but he’d hardly be reliable. Robinson has played only one full season since the Jaguars drafted him in 2017 and has missed an alarming number of games either due to injuries or suspensions. Still, he’s an elite pass protector when he’s on the field and may be worth the risk for a desperate team like New England."
With Drake Maye at the helm, securing "an elite pass protector" is essential. Yet, Robinson's injury concerns are a major red flag and will require extreme due diligence. If it mitigates the financial commitment, it could be an opportunity. But, "buyer beware". In this case, you should look elsewhere.
The top left tackle is no surprise, it's 6'6", 310-pound 30-year-old, Ronnie Stanley of the Ravens. He's an elite left tackle, and while a bit older, if available, he's worth whatever you need to spend. Yahoo says this about the premier free agent LT who may be available in free agency,
"Stanley has spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore, where he earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods in 2019. He’s coming off a bounce-back campaign that set himself up for a lucrative contract in free agency. Pro Football Focus ranks him 16th among all NFL tackles with an 80.6 pass-blocking grade."
"First-team All-Pro" is the gilt-edged NFL designation, the best-of-the-best NFL players. You pay or overpay those players in a position of need and importance without hesitation. If Stanley is available, you go all out to sign him.
These are the best 2025 left tackles available in free agency. Stanley is without question worthy of a major allocation of cap space. Yet, signing any top free agent LT allows the Patriots to use their fourth overall draft pick on a can't miss wide receiver, edge, or defensive tackle in the draft. It's close to a no-brainer.