Three best options for the Patriots at offensive line

With tackle Trent Brown, center James Ferentz and guard/tackle Mike Onwenu possibly leaving the New England Patriots this offseason through free agency, the team will have important decisions to make about the offensive line. Team director of scouting Eliot Wolf — who, on Tuesday revealed he will have the final say over personnel decisions — will have several names to choose from, both through the NFL Draft and free-agent market.

Joe Alt, Notre Dame T

It would make sense for the Patriots to select a quarterback with the third overall pick, but they don't necessarily have to. If New England decides to take a non-draft direction to answer concerns about the 2024 quarterback spot, then that means tackle would be the draft's focus position — which is where Alt comes in. 

He was listed as the top tackle in the 2024 by Pro Football Focus, described as having "elite size" (6-foot-8) and "technique to mitigate any natural weaknesses." Brown, one of the Patriots starting tackles in 2023, made his dissatisfaction with the organization abundantly clear toward the end of the 2023 regular season. Alt would instantly be an improvement over Brown, both in skill and mentality.

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State T

With so many questions at QB, the Patriots offense may be relying heavily on running back Rhamondre Stevenson to score touchdowns and make game-changing plays. At Penn State, Fashanu was phenomenal in the run game, and if his skill set transfers smoothly to the NFL, he will be a valuable asset to any team.

With Stevenson entering a contract year and Elliott nearing the end of his career, New England could use someone like Fashanu, who would not only keep the RBs safe from injury, but also help them accumulate big gains by creating clear running gaps in the line. 

Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys OT

Smith, 33 years old, is one of the top tackles set to hit the free-agent market, but he would only be able to sign a one- or two-year deal because of his age and declining health. His limited long-term availability has its pros and cons for New England. 

The Patriots could use Smith's age to their benefit by drafting a high-ceiling tackle in the early rounds. This would allow Smith to mentor the rookie for a few seasons, before handing the keys over and potentially retiring. In this scenario, a short Smith tenure is incredibly enticing for the Patriots. 

Contrarily, if Wolf does not bring on a future or capable backup, then a Smith signing seems counterproductive, as it only procrastinates finding a long-term, stable option, opening the door for disaster should Smith suffer an injury. 

The answer to Smith lies in the pieces around him. The Patriots will have to mull whether so much effort is worth a soon-to-decline 33-year-old.