For much of the 2025 season, the Patriots were one of the few teams in the NFL to avoid getting hit with the injury bug, particularly to their top stars. That's uncommon in the league today, so it made it a bit easier for the former 4-13 team to string together wins, like a 10-game streak that didn't end until November.
Some of that came crashing down when players like starting left tackle Will Campbell and defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered injuries that required them to be placed on injured reserve. That prompted a lot of concern on both sides of the ball, especially about the offense and how Drake Maye would fare without the superstar tackle guarding his blind spot.
Vederian Lowe was tasked with filling in for Campbell during the games he missed. Despite Patriots fans' concerns stemming from his 2024 performance, Lowe almost made it impossible to tell Campbell was not on the field.
It was a reminder of just how much coaching matters, especially after rumors claimed the Patriots were considering moving on from Lowe this past offseason. Fortunately, they kept him around and now can go into the 2026 offseason knowing they have solid left tackle depth.
It would have been a huge mistake for the Patriots to cut Vederian Lowe before the 2025 season
During a chaotic and forgettable 2024 season, Lowe was made the starting left tackle and struggled to perform effectively in the position. It was partly why the new regime decided to take the best left tackle of the 2024 Draft class with the fourth overall pick to ensure Maye was well protected in his second season.
But Lowe didn't show traits of a player who couldn't become a solid backup, and clearly, the arrival of o-line coach Doug Marrone has made a massive difference in his performance, along with the unwavering support from Maye, as we saw over the past four games with Campbell out.
#Patriots LT Vederian Lowe as a starter the past 4 weeks (via PFF):
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 30, 2025
🔹145 Pass Block Snaps
🔹1 Sack Allowed
🔹2 QB Hits
🔹13 Pressures
🔹10 Hurries
🔹95.4 Pass Block Efficiency
🔹65.2 Pass Block Grade
Will Campbell is eligible to return from IR this week. pic.twitter.com/oS0f6CbuKG
There's certainly a lot he can improve upon, just like Campbell, but Lowe's performance is a far cry from how he played last year, and that goes a long way with what Mike Vrabel is trying to build with New England's roster.
Lowe has all the makings of a suitable backup and can help the Patriots when called upon if anything were to take Campbell off the field again.
That's not easy to find in an offensive lineman, so it's crucial they continue to develop him moving forward, and maybe, we haven't even seen the best from him just yet.