The Patriots are expected to pursue this top free-agent offensive tackle
First-year New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has his work cut out for him in replacing Bill Belichick.
While finding a new quarterback is at the top of his to-do list, Mayo also needs to find his new franchise signal caller some blockers as both of New England’s starting offensive tackles — Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu — will be free agents in a few days.
With nearly $95.5M in cap space, the Patriots have the available funds to pursue some of the top free-agent offensive linemen like Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, who New England is expected to make a run at per MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
“The Patriots would like to find a starting-caliber tackle in free agency,” Daniels wrote . “One name to watch is Tyron Smith. … The 33-year-old would provide a short-term solution at left tackle and the Patriots are expected to pursue Smith when free agency opens. This isn’t a deep tackle class in free agency. … The Patriots will also be heavily interested in drafting a tackle, and new offensive line coach Scott Peters arrived in Indianapolis on Wednesday night to scout prospects.”
Smith has been the Cowboys left tackle since 2012. He’s played 900 or more offensive snaps in nine seasons and allowed three or fewer sacks in 11 seasons.
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Smith is an eight-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First Team All-Pro and a three-time Second Team All-Pro.
Brown and Owenu combined for 1,235 offensive snaps in 2023, surrendering 40 pressures, 26 hurries and six sacks. There’s a chance one or both are re-signed given New England’s plethora of cap space, but it appears the Pats are going to be aggressive in their desire to upgrade their offensive line.
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