Patriots Still See Potential in OL Yodny Cajuste?

The New England Patriots continue to stockpile depth at arguably their biggest position of need.

Despite adding potential starters at offenisve tackle such as Calvin Anderson and Riley Reiff, the Pats made an ‘under-the-radar’ move earlier this week which may help to retain some continuity in 2023. 

The Patriots tendered offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste on Wednesday, thus increasing the likelihood of his return to the team in 2023.

Despite his impending entry into restricted free agency, Cajuste received an original-round tender, meaning it is subject to offer sheets and valued at one-year, $2.73 million. Should the Patriots choose not to match any potential offers, they will receive a third-round draft selection as compensation for his departure. 

Though he was a third-round selection (101 overall) in 2019, Cajuste was set to become a restricted free agent, due to his spending the entirety of his rookie season on the non-football injury list. He also missed the 2020 season after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He did not make his professional debut until 2021, appearing in seven games for the Pats and starting two of them.

Cajuste had been widely projected as a second-round choice in the 2019 draft. In fact, some had even touted him as having first-round talent. However, his injury history allowed him to fall to the Patriots at No. 101. 

At his best, Cajuste has a wide frame, above-average initial quickness and good overall athletic ability. He's quick enough to get into position and strong enough to wall off defenders in the running game. Still, his tendency to give up the edge at times might indicate that he is better suited on the inside.

Still, Cajuste’s on-field action came at the tackle posotion. Through 10 games (with three starts) in 2022, the West Virginia product allowed 12 pressures and three sacks. Despite being overtaken on the depth chart by mid-season signee Conor McDermott, he should have every opportunity to earn a spot on the Patriots depth chart at offensive tackle.

That is, of course, unless another team makes Cajuste an offer he can’t refuse … and the Patriots won’t match.  

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.