As a unit, the offensive line failed the New England Patriots a year ago, at least when it mattered most.
A total of 21 sacks allowed in four playoff games – with countless more QB hits – left Drake Maye bruised, a tad rattled and maybe even awash in doubt.
If Maye can’t remain upright in the pocket, the New England Patriots could be in line for a major step backward in 2026. Mike Vrabel and Co. know that fact better than most and took major strides in the offseason to rejuvenate the front five.
Bradbury out, AV-T in
Center Garrett Bradbury is out after one year here, starting all 21 games this team played. The veteran brought in from Minnesota a year ago returned the NFC North via trade and signed a deal with the Chicago Bears for roughly $4 million guaranteed.
In essence, New England upgraded inside. If, as expected and as has been the case through the spring, second-year man Jared Wilson kicks over from left guard to center, big money free agent Alijah Vera-Tucker ($14 million per year) takes over at left guard where the veteran can keep an eye and lend a hand to tackle Will Campbell.
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The upgrade, at least on paper, could be massive. Vera-Tucker, when healthy, has lived up to the hype when he was taken 14th overall by the Jets in 2021.
Health, or lack of it, is the reason he was available this offseason. Twice, the 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has torn a triceps, including last year forcing him to miss the entire season. He’s also lost a season to a torn Achilles.
Rookie tackle Lomu in key spot
Vera-Tucker was just half of the trench improvement plan. New England snagged tackle Caleb Lomu at the bottom of the first round in the draft – the second first-round left tackle in as many years.
The word right through June's minicamp from Vrabel is that – defiantly, as a matter of fact – Campbell is this team’s left tackle. Lomu is basically an insurance policy on either end of the line, remembering that right tackle Morgan Moses is a 35-year-old with a dozen NFL years on his body.
One important factor to eye in this group is health. Offensive line depth, or a lack of it, could be a problem. Figuring this team will likely break camp with nine O-linemen on the 53-man roster and another four or five on the practice squad, there are spots available and jobs to win.
