Finding protection for Drake Maye: Top tackles expected to hit free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots have a busy offseason ahead. Eliot Wolf and the rest of the front office will need to address several areas of need, nothing more crucial than the offensive tackle position.
Protecting their valuable young quarterback Drake Maye is paramount. While the modernization of the large reception room remains a priorityit doesn’t matter if the third overall draft pick can’t get the ball to his primary targets. New England can’t afford to enter the 2025 season with the same offensive line issues that haunted them throughout Maye’s rookie campaign.
Fortunately, the Patriots should have some enticing options to bolster their offensive line next spring, whether in the project — where they will likely have a top-five pick — or free agency. The latter might be more difficult since top tackles are typically extended before hitting the open market.
Nonetheless, here are the top offensive tackles set to become free agents in 2025 that the Patriots should have their eyes on:
Ronnie Stanley
Age: 31
Stanley has spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore, where he made the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro in 2019. He is in the midst of a bounce-back campaign and has been preparing for a lucrative agency contract free. . Pro Football Focus ranks him 16th among all NFL tackles with a pass blocking grade of 80.6.
Alaric Jackson
Age: 27
Jackson reaching free agency would be a surprise. He is in his prime as the youngest tackle on this list. These days, it’s rare for tackles of his caliber not to be signed to extensions. If he hits the open market, he should be at the top of the Patriots’ list of targets.
Tyron Smith
Age: 34
Smith played 13 seasons in Dallas before signing with the New York Jets last offseason. That deal didn’t work out for New York as it recently placed Smith on injured reserve, ending his disappointing campaign. Today, the eight-time Pro Bowler has reached a crossroads in his illustrious career. If he decides to play in 2025 and can stay healthy, he would be a solid upgrade over any current option on the Pats roster.
Garrett Bolles
Age: 33
Bolles has thrived as Denver’s starting left tackle since his 2017 rookie season. A team captain, his campaign at age 32 was arguably his best to date. If the Broncos make the mistake of letting him go, the Patriots should be all over him in free agency.
Cam Robinson
Age: 29
Robinson would have was on the Patriots radar at the 2024 trade deadline, but the Jacksonville Jaguars opted to send him to the Minnesota Vikings. It would undoubtedly be an improvement, but it would hardly be reliable. Robinson has only played one full season since the Jaguars drafted him in 2017. He has missed an alarming number of games due to injuries or suspensions. That said, the talent is undeniable.
Morgane Moses
Age: 34
Moses has primarily played right tackle during his 11-year NFL career, but if the Patriots want an upgrade on the other side of the line, he would be the most attractive option. The veteran has been one of the league’s most stable linemen since entering the league in 2014. The Patriots should prioritize protecting Maye’s blind side, but pairing Moses with a left tackle would be the ideal situation.
