New England Patriots offensive lineman Will Campbell struggled tremendously since suffering a torn MCL in Week 12 and returning in Week 18, especially during the playoffs in front of a larger audience. Mike Vrabel and New England remain committed to keeping the fourth overall pick at left tackle in 2026, with high hopes he will return to pre-MCL injury form and continue to improve. However, Campbell may be on a short leash and may have to switch positions down the road if his struggles persist.
Despite the Patriots appearing to close the door on a position change, they may still be in play for a free-agent left tackle.
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The New England Patriots could be in play for the top free-agent tackle
Nov 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Rasheed Walker is considered the best available offensive tackle in free agency and may command one of the highest salaries in March, as tackles generally don’t hit free agency, with Dan Moore Jr. setting the precedent when the Tennessee Titans signed him to a four-year, $82 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. The former Green Bay Packers seventh-round pick has taken over for David Bakhtiari as the starting left tackle since 2023, starting 52 total games, where he has ranked in the top 20 in ESPN’s pass-block win rate among offensive tackles over three consecutive years, including tying for first in 2023. Spotrac projects Walker to command $20 million, with others projecting him to earn a whopping $25 million per year.
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The New England Patriots are reportedly interested in the top LT
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Rasheed Walker (63) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Rasheed Walker (63) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
An anonymous general manager told Jason La Canfora of Sports Boom that the Patriots are reportedly an option to sign Rasheed Walker. Canfora adds that adding Walker would move Will Campbell to right tackle, leading the team to move on from Morgan Moses. Lastly, the GM is skeptical that Mike Vrabel is committed to keeping Campbell as the blindside protector and questions what the reigning Coach of the Year would say publicly.
“Another GM noted the Patriots, off a surprising Super Bowl run, as a potential suitor for Walker as well, with rookie Will Campbell struggling in the second half of his rookie season and perhaps being a better fit on the right side,” La Canfora said.
“‘I know what (head coach Mike) Vrabel said about keeping Campbell on the blindside,’ the GM noted, ‘but what did you expect him to say?'”
New England Patriots fans weigh in on the reported interest
“Nah keep campbell at left move someone to right, don’t mind f*** your Franchise LT, you picked him now make him work”
This has exactly zero chance of happening
— JaMarco (@JaMarc0) February 23, 2026
Guarantee you that’s not happening
— 6 1 7 (@617Betta) February 23, 2026
I can tell u for free this aint happening lol
— Fuad (@Fuadnehemen) February 23, 2026
It’s not a bad option. Keep Moses for depth or release him?
— PatsSoxFreedom 🇺🇸 (@PatsSoxFreedom) February 23, 2026
This is speculation. Literally putting 2 and 2 together and assuming the Patriots are moving Campbell to RT.
— Teams win super bowls, not players (@2930Kk87) February 23, 2026
Campbell headed out better then walked BEFORE the injury .
For whatever that is worth 🤷♂️
— Snas (@sansmilbury) February 23, 2026
that’d be dumb imo
— PatsHat (@PatsHats_) February 23, 2026
Do it!!! Draft the mullet from Iowa to plug in at LG.
— Isaiah Gato (@IsaiahGato) February 23, 2026
Still would be a better LG…
— PatsFan130 (@PatsFan130) February 23, 2026
Yes please
— Please Pay Boutte (@PleasePayBoutte) February 23, 2026
pic.twitter.com/AVc2OZHujE
— Lesage Locke (@lesagelocke) February 23, 2026
Campbell is not moving to right tackle lol he’s our left tackle indefinitely. These fairy tales won’t stop but it’s not happening. We also don’t have as much cash money to spend this off-season as many are making it seem. Cap doesn’t tell the whole story, esp w/ Gonzo’s new deal
— Seth Main (@YANGS1K) February 23, 2026