We absolutely should sign an LG in FA:

[DoubleDeluxe]

How about this...

Cut Onwenu to save $17.5M cap space. Sign Kevin Zeitler for RG. Last year he signed for 1 year $9M so I'd expect similar. Net savings of $8.5M.

Sign Joel Bitonio as another 1 year stop gap, veteran guard for the left side.

Release Bradbury to save $5.7M and sign Connor McGovern to play C.

Re-sign Munford as the swing tackle.

Starting OL next year is Campbell / Bitonio / McGovern / Zeitler / Moses. Backups are Brown, Wilson, Munford and then ideally a highly drafted OT that you plan to take over for Moses in 2027. Maybe Marcus Bryant is already that guy in waiting though as many here seem to believe (I personally think he's just a back end roster guy at this point and while maybe he develops into a starter there's no specific expectation on that).

McGovern has experience at both guard spots so the idea would be that Wilson eventually takes over centerand McGovern kicks out to whichever guard spot is playing worse. But this forces Wilson to step up his play because he didn't look strong enough this past year. Both of the guards would be one year deals so the opportunity is there for 2027 and could be sooner if his play/their play warrants a switch.

I like an OG in the first 2 rds if there isn't a run before we pick. Ioane, Bisontis, Pregnon.....

 

[scott99]

I want them to sign as many free agent Olinemen as possible. I want that to be priority #1. They MUST improve that Oline from bad to above average. Need to protect Maye, and to open up holes for the RBs.

 

[mgteich]

I want them to sign as many free agent Olinemen as possible. I want that to be priority #1. They MUST improve that Oline from bad to above average. Need to protect Maye, and to open up holes for the RBs.

We signed and drafted 4 starters plus a backup last year.

I'm sure that we can do better this year.

 

[stcjones]

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/available/_/year/2026/position/g

Notable names:

David Edwards
Kevin Zeitler
Joel Bitonio
Wyatt Teller
Isaac Seumalo
Ed Ingram
Alijah Vera-Tucker
John Simpson
Tevin Jenkins
Brady Christensen
Zion Johnson
Elijah Wilkinson
Dylan Parham
Dalton Risner
Daniel Faalele
Jaramee Salyer

I feel like move number one needs to be finding a way to get Wilson out of playing that LG spot. He’s just not a guard, he’s a center. I’m fine with him playing the role in a spot, but he’s not the long term answer here. I’d rather just let him sit behind Bradbury next year and be the center in waiting.

I really think it would be smart to have a veteran presence next to Will Campbell next year. Snagging David Edwards from Buffalo would be an absolute home run. But seems like there’s plenty of capable staring experience in this list. Guards also usually hit the market, more often than not. So I’d bet on a good portion of these guys being out there.

A few of the older guys at the top of the still actually played very well last year. Maybe Vrabel has some connections with Teller/Bitonio?

Most definitely

 

[Triumph]

Although I realize he wasn't up against the top Ds early in the season, I feel like the first 12 games before his injury he was more than holding his own.

After that I say him using some pretty savvy technique at time to hold up his man despite the ACL issue

LG is to me the weakest link and save for the edge rushers like you note, it's not helpful for LT not to have a strong LG playing alongside them, or so John Hannah tells me.

That being said, anyone they get in FA or the draft better have some LT experience as we need depth there period. Camp competition will take care of the rest.

Regarding the edge rusher "problem" if indeed the first 12 games were the outliers, I also see them investing in TE in the offseason and you can bet they'll be looking for someone who can serve as a good blocking TE, as that's always a benefit in protecting the QB and giving a guy like Maye time to find the downfield guy.

The Browns gave Campbell a bad time.

Campbell's draft report specifies that he gets pushed back into the QB. There will be a bullseye on Campbell's back moving forward. Find an LT and move Campbell's to G.

 

[DaBruinz]

Although I realize he wasn't up against the top Ds early in the season, I feel like the first 12 games before his injury he was more than holding his own.

After that I say him using some pretty savvy technique at time to hold up his man despite the ACL issue

LG is to me the weakest link and save for the edge rushers like you note, it's not helpful for LT not to have a strong LG playing alongside them, or so John Hannah tells me.

That being said, anyone they get in FA or the draft better have some LT experience as we need depth there period. Camp competition will take care of the rest.

Regarding the edge rusher "problem" if indeed the first 12 games were the outliers, I also see them investing in TE in the offseason and you can bet they'll be looking for someone who can serve as a good blocking TE, as that's always a benefit in protecting the QB and giving a guy like Maye time to find the downfield guy.

It would seem that @Triumph hasn't been paying attention to the actual games again. He doesn't realize that Campbell was having issues in the play-offs because of the ligament tear in his left knee. He also doesn't understand that it happened all of ONCE. That's per @patfanken. Someone who's ability to break down what happened in a game is only matched by @KCSVEN.

I agree with you in regards to LG being the weakest link.

I think that LG will be addressed in Free Agency. I think that adding a guard in the draft will only be addressed if they feel that the player is better than Wallace, Rupcich, Brown and Butler.

 

[DaBruinz]

The Browns gave Campbell a bad time.

Campbell's draft report specifies that he gets pushed back into the QB. There will be a bullseye on Campbell's back moving forward. Find an LT and move Campbell's to G.

You're spewing the same BS spewed about Matt Light when Light was at LT. You're harping on Campbell not being able to handle Myles Garrett.. FFS. Garrett is the best Edge Rusher in the league. EVERYONE had issues with him.

Feel free to post the "draft report" that said that Campbell gets pushed back into his QB. Or is that you misrepresenting what was ACTUALLY said?

 

[dliverey44]

How about this...

Cut Onwenu to save $17.5M cap space. Sign Kevin Zeitler for RG. Last year he signed for 1 year $9M so I'd expect similar. Net savings of $8.5M.

Sign Joel Bitonio as another 1 year stop gap, veteran guard for the left side.

Release Bradbury to save $5.7M and sign Connor McGovern to play C.

Re-sign Munford as the swing tackle.

Starting OL next year is Campbell / Bitonio / McGovern / Zeitler / Moses. Backups are Brown, Wilson, Munford and then ideally a highly drafted OT that you plan to take over for Moses in 2027. Maybe Marcus Bryant is already that guy in waiting though as many here seem to believe (I personally think he's just a back end roster guy at this point and while maybe he develops into a starter there's no specific expectation on that).

McGovern has experience at both guard spots so the idea would be that Wilson eventually takes over centerand McGovern kicks out to whichever guard spot is playing worse. But this forces Wilson to step up his play because he didn't look strong enough this past year. Both of the guards would be one year deals so the opportunity is there for 2027 and could be sooner if his play/their play warrants a switch.

I do not think it would be wise to cut Owenu, because he was our best OLman and he played very well this season in the run and pass game. I do not believe that he has any GTD money this year, so a new contract would probably be easy to work out. If they can not reach an agreement then trade him rather than cut him.

An upper echelon guard at 30 years old should bring a 3rd or 4th rounder and the OG draft class is pretty good, but doubt you can get a rook to give the same production the Owenu gave you especially if Moses gets hurt and you need to put a youngster in at RT.

I am firmly in the camp of pursuing a very good LG in David Edwards and trying Wilson at Center and keeping Owenu. I would like to think that Wilson being sandwiched by 2 above average guards would help him significantly.

 

[DaBruinz]

I like an OG in the first 2 rds if there isn't a run before we pick. Ioane, Bisontis, Pregnon.....

They're very likely going to lose Chaisson. Chaisson was 16th overall in total pressures and 12th if you include the post-season. Landry turns 30 in June is likely going to start on the PUP since the rumors are swirling that he's going to need surgery on his knee. That's going to put a high priority on having a replacement on the Edge.

The biggest flaw on defense was being able to cover TEs and RBs. So they need a LB who can do that since Elliss, Tavai, and Gibbens can't. You're unlikely to find that outside the top 2 rounds.

There is a plethora of LGs under 30 that are going to be available in Free Agency. The Pats also re-signed Mekhi Butler and Andrew Rupcich to go along with Brown and Wallace as players who will vie for the guard positions. And yes. I understand that all 4 could easily be cut for a draft pick.

A lot will depend on what happens in Free Agency. The Chargers and Seahawks both have a lot of Cap Space so snagging Oweh or Mafe is unlikely. There are a lot of one-trick pony edge rushers out there. Guys who are average pass-rushers but suck at tackling and against the run. Which is why Edge is going to have to be a priority in the draft,

There aren't a lot of LBs who can cover that are going to be available either. Devin Bush is probably the best LB available who can cover TE/RBs. The Browns being a mess cap wise might be the only way Bush is allowed to walk.

Which is why the Pats should be looking at those two positions 1st since a good guard prospects can be picked up in the 3rd/4th round. Although the Pats haven't had that sort of luck recently.

 

[Triumph]

You're spewing the same BS spewed about Matt Light when Light was at LT. You're harping on Campbell not being able to handle Myles Garrett.. FFS. Garrett is the best Edge Rusher in the league. EVERYONE had issues with him.

Feel free to post the "draft report" that said that Campbell gets pushed back into his QB. Or is that you misrepresenting what was ACTUALLY said?

Smoking crack again? I never suggested that Light move to G because he never got blown up like Campbell. Only an ignoramus would believe that teams wont be coming at NE LT in 2026.

Google NFL.com yourself and keep on denying that there is not a LT issue.

Weaknesses​

• Struggles getting to his landmarks on lateral blocks.
• Pad level and hand placement create leverage disadvantages.
• Gets too far out over his skis and can be knocked off balance.
• Protections marked by inconsistent footwork and body control.
• Punch timing can be too mechanical and predictable.
• Allows inside pressure due to oversets and early openings.
• Struggles to redirect the rush when beaten on the edge.
• Speed-to-power can bounce him into the pocket.

 

[Triumph]

It would seem that @Triumph hasn't been paying attention to the actual games again. He doesn't realize that Campbell was having issues in the play-offs because of the ligament tear in his left knee. He also doesn't understand that it happened all of ONCE. That's per @patfanken. Someone who's ability to break down what happened in a game is only matched by @KCSVEN.

I agree with you in regards to LG being the weakest link.

I think that LG will be addressed in Free Agency. I think that adding a guard in the draft will only be addressed if they feel that the player is better than Wallace, Rupcich, Brown and Butler.

Your ignorance knows no bounds.

Campbells problems existed predraft and that is the reason why it was suggested that Campbell move to G in the NFL.

 

[upstater1]

It would seem that @Triumph hasn't been paying attention to the actual games again. He doesn't realize that Campbell was having issues in the play-offs because of the ligament tear in his left knee. He also doesn't understand that it happened all of ONCE. That's per @patfanken. Someone who's ability to break down what happened in a game is only matched by @KCSVEN.

I agree with you in regards to LG being the weakest link.

I think that LG will be addressed in Free Agency. I think that adding a guard in the draft will only be addressed if they feel that the player is better than Wallace, Rupcich, Brown and Butler.

It is really hard to have confidence in the Patriots when it comes to the OL.

We spent so many picks in the last several years on the interior OL and it has NEVER panned out.

And when I see some of our former interior players like Froholdt, Andrews and Strange playing well for their current teams, it makes me wonder about the personnel decisions. There seems to be some disconnect between the front office, the coaches and the players. Why cut Strange if you're not certain you have the right guy for the position? What are you looking at when it comes to scouting interior linemen? This is getting old and I have little faith in the process.

I do like the evaluation of the tackles much more.

 

[Wozzy]

Wilson is really talented. After all, we say so.

Athleticism gets measured at the combine and pro days, it’s not a matter of opinion.

 

[imahobgoblin]

The Browns gave Campbell a bad time.

Campbell's draft report specifies that he gets pushed back into the QB. There will be a bullseye on Campbell's back moving forward. Find an LT and move Campbell's to G.

It does not make a difference how many time you post it. Is this 2 in the same thread? Vrabel said its not happening. Great, now you know, an can come back to reality.

 

[JoeSixPat]

It would seem that @Triumph hasn't been paying attention to the actual games again. He doesn't realize that Campbell was having issues in the play-offs because of the ligament tear in his left knee. He also doesn't understand that it happened all of ONCE. That's per @patfanken. Someone who's ability to break down what happened in a game is only matched by @KCSVEN.

I agree with you in regards to LG being the weakest link.

I think that LG will be addressed in Free Agency. I think that adding a guard in the draft will only be addressed if they feel that the player is better than Wallace, Rupcich, Brown and Butler.

Correct

It's actually pretty funny because I started off the season (like any of us should have) unsure if Campbell has what it takes to be an LT and suggested that if we wind up moving him to LG that's not a bad thing a la John Hannah being picked at #4 too

There was some pretty big backlash to that, calling him a bust if he's not LT in the long run

The point was moot because we didn't address LT in FA and Campbell was BY FAR our best bet at LT this past season and that was that

So how did Campbell do? Pretty damn good, especially until his injuries and most everyone (including me) were signing his praises

But post Super Bowl of course it seems a lot of fans are declaring the experiment over.

The bottom line is that we are going to have much better OL depth next season both via FA and the draft, and you can bet that there will be players capable of playing multiple positions, including LT

That's not going to be one of the top tier LTs, but someone young with potential - and after that, competition will do what it does and the best LT will play LT

As mentioned I've come away MORE impressed with Campbell's technique and footwork now that I realize he was playing with ligament strains or tears and while I welcome more LT depth and competition, I'm pretty sure we have a keeper

 

[Hugepatsfan]

I think I've kind of settled on what I'd like to see for the OL...

1) Keep Campbell at LT.

2) Keep Onwenu on his current deal. It's a huge cap hit but I don't want to extend him into his 30s considering past effort/conditioning issues and we have other cap space.

3) Cut Bradbury (save $5.7M) and replace with Connor McGovern. Upgrade at center now and McGovern has played both guard spots before so still can have Wilson as the center of the future. This just forces him to really play his way into that.

4) Sign a starting LG. This could be a number of different guys. Just sign a starting caliber player here, because we don't have one. Could be a younger multi year guy like David Edwards. Could be a 1-year stop gap like Joel Bitonio. Could be a guy like Dylan Parham that you're hoping is better in his next 4 years than his last 4 so you sign him as a younger option to grow. Could be a multi year kind of stop gap like Isaac Seumalo.

5) Re-sign Munford to compete for a backup spot.

6) Draft a RT of the future highly, that ideally could have some level of projection at LT as Campbell insurance. But Moses will be gone ahead of 2027 IMO so need a starter ready to replace him and this is a spot I'd like to be a year early on.

So you go into next year with starters of Campbell/(vet signing)/McGovern/Onwenu/Moses. Backups are Wilson and Brown on the interior, the rookie RT of the future and then one of Munford/Bryant for the backup OTs. That's 9 OL spots which seems normal.

Looking ahead to 2027, Onwenu would be a FA at RG and possible a LG opening depending on the contract term of the guy you signed there. Ideally Wilson could step in at Center by then with McGovern kicking out to a guard spot. But if Onwenu is worth re-signing then re-sign him. Hopefully not, but maybe the Campbell to LG stuff is more legit this time next year so that plays into it as well. Moses' contract is set up to be cut next year so the rookie from this draft should take over for him. You kind of just have to see who plays well and who doesn't this year and adjust accordingly.

 

[TommyD4207]

I think I've kind of settled on what I'd like to see for the OL...

1) Keep Campbell at LT.

2) Keep Onwenu on his current deal. It's a huge cap hit but I don't want to extend him into his 30s considering past effort/conditioning issues and we have other cap space.

3) Cut Bradbury (save $5.7M) and replace with Connor McGovern. Upgrade at center now and McGovern has played both guard spots before so still can have Wilson as the center of the future. This just forces him to really play his way into that.

4) Sign a starting LG. This could be a number of different guys. Just sign a starting caliber player here, because we don't have one. Could be a younger multi year guy like David Edwards. Could be a 1-year stop gap like Joel Bitonio. Could be a guy like Dylan Parham that you're hoping is better in his next 4 years than his last 4 so you sign him as a younger option to grow. Could be a multi year kind of stop gap like Isaac Seumalo.

5) Re-sign Munford to compete for a backup spot.

6) Draft a RT of the future highly, that ideally could have some level of projection at LT as Campbell insurance. But Moses will be gone ahead of 2027 IMO so need a starter ready to replace him and this is a spot I'd like to be a year early on.

So you go into next year with starters of Campbell/(vet signing)/McGovern/Onwenu/Moses. Backups are Wilson and Brown on the interior, the rookie RT of the future and then one of Munford/Bryant for the backup OTs. That's 9 OL spots which seems normal.

Looking ahead to 2027, Onwenu would be a FA at RG and possible a LG opening depending on the contract term of the guy you signed there. Ideally Wilson could step in at Center by then with McGovern kicking out to a guard spot. But if Onwenu is worth re-signing then re-sign him. Hopefully not, but maybe the Campbell to LG stuff is more legit this time next year so that plays into it as well. Moses' contract is set up to be cut next year so the rookie from this draft should take over for him. You kind of just have to see who plays well and who doesn't this year and adjust accordingly.

I can't let Mike Onwenu steal another 20 million from this team again this year. I just can't do it. If he's still here next year, they failed to upgrade the position. It's that simple.

 

[Toofy]

They're very likely going to lose Chaisson. Chaisson was 16th overall in total pressures and 12th if you include the post-season. Landry turns 30 in June is likely going to start on the PUP since the rumors are swirling that he's going to need surgery on his knee. That's going to put a high priority on having a replacement on the Edge.

The biggest flaw on defense was being able to cover TEs and RBs. So they need a LB who can do that since Elliss, Tavai, and Gibbens can't. You're unlikely to find that outside the top 2 rounds.

There is a plethora of LGs under 30 that are going to be available in Free Agency. The Pats also re-signed Mekhi Butler and Andrew Rupcich to go along with Brown and Wallace as players who will vie for the guard positions. And yes. I understand that all 4 could easily be cut for a draft pick.

A lot will depend on what happens in Free Agency. The Chargers and Seahawks both have a lot of Cap Space so snagging Oweh or Mafe is unlikely. There are a lot of one-trick pony edge rushers out there. Guys who are average pass-rushers but suck at tackling and against the run. Which is why Edge is going to have to be a priority in the draft,

There aren't a lot of LBs who can cover that are going to be available either. Devin Bush is probably the best LB available who can cover TE/RBs. The Browns being a mess cap wise might be the only way Bush is allowed to walk.

Which is why the Pats should be looking at those two positions 1st since a good guard prospects can be picked up in the 3rd/4th round. Although the Pats haven't had that sort of luck recently.

One thing I have noticed that is , rookies who are one trick ponies and drafted in 3rd rd or below are actually performing well rushing the passer due to poor oline play across the league. If that be the case, why overpay for rushers when you can develop your own .

No team has 5 solid Offensive linemen. So by a combination of scheme and solid interior play we can provide more pressures.

Since we have a good CB tandem we can really limit the opposing offense . This way we keep our coats in check too and we can draft BPA and also not manage to overpay.

I would want us to go all in when we have at least 5 stud level players. Right now we have too many holes. Winning Superbowl is not easy . Need to be patient .

 

[Wozzy]

I can't let Mike Onwenu steal another 20 million from this team again this year. I just can't do it. If he's still here next year, they failed to upgrade the position. It's that simple.

When they needed a 3rd and inches converted, they ran behind Onwenu and Moses… there’s a reason.

Extend him a couple years, spread his cap hit out.

I don’t get this “cut Bradbury/Onwenu” talk on one hand, then telling us the left side of the line is too young and inexperienced. You need a balance between young and old. We shouldn’t be afraid of paying good players.

If you find his replacement fine, at that point he can be traded, but they need to fill the holes they have before digging more.

 

[AQPE]

Smoking crack again? I never suggested that Light move to G because he never got blown up like Campbell. Only an ignoramus would believe that teams wont be coming at NE LT in 2026.

Google NFL.com yourself and keep on denying that there is not a LT issue.

Weaknesses​

• Struggles getting to his landmarks on lateral blocks.
• Pad level and hand placement create leverage disadvantages.
• Gets too far out over his skis and can be knocked off balance.
• Protections marked by inconsistent footwork and body control.
• Punch timing can be too mechanical and predictable.
• Allows inside pressure due to oversets and early openings.
• Struggles to redirect the rush when beaten on the edge.
• Speed-to-power can bounce him into the pocket.

Finding this report does give some validity to your position, but you are ignoring what is available on his college tape and his pre-injury NFL tape.

Personally I’ve spent quite a bit of time watching that over the course of 2 years after reading about Campbell back when Jaden Daniels was lighting up the NCAA his senior year. I’m not claiming any great expertise here but I enjoy doing that and didn’t see all that much of what is in that report. Not none but not a lot and considerably less than I saw with anyone else in his class except Banks and Simmons.