Patriots Free Agency Outlook, Tackles

Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011

Feb 23, 2016 at 8:28 am ET 6 min read 2.8k views

6 min read Patriots Commentary

Russell Okung
Okung has been the Seahawks’ starting left tackle since he was drafted in 2010. Drafted under the old CBA, he’s just finishing up his rookie 6-year, $48.5 million-dollar contract and will be a free agent for the first time in his career. Okung just had shoulder surgery after dislocating it in the playoffs against Arizona.

An interesting tidbit, Okung represents himself, he has no agent so he’s already sent all 32 teams a letter stating that his shoulder will be fine for OTAs and he won’t be held back by this latest injury and surgery which he deemed as “precautionary”.

While his talent is undeniable, durability, something that plagued New England last season is a concern. He’s only played in 16 games once in his career, back in 2012. He missed eight games during Seattle’s Super Bowl win and three more this season.

While he’s only 28, his game has declined the past couple of years which could precipitate his moving to right tackle…which for New England would be a perfect fit. He’s given up more QB pressures and committed more penalties the last few seasons than before and some teams will say his game is in that slow decline in an attempt to lower his asking price.

Okung would be a really nice fit in New England. He and Solder would give the Patriots a pair of bookend tackles that could be arguably the best in the AFC. The sticking points will be of course money and his injury. With his injury history would Bill Belichick commit a lot of guaranteed money to him? Probably not.

The Patriots could offer a short-term, prove-it type deal to ensure that shoulder is fine and will be moving forward. Would Okung, who’s looking for another big contract agree to that? It is doubtful right now, the market and the interest in him will drive that train. Right now, the chances of him coming here are remote, but it is always worth it to do what the Patriots call their “due diligence” in kicking the tires.

Next up another under-the-radar guy…

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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