The Patriots' offensive line played a big part in Drake Maye's outstanding 2025 season.
The Patriots' offensive line played a big part in Drake Maye's outstanding 2025 season.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Fourth in a series | Earlier: quarterbacks | running backs | tight ends
From 2024 to ’25, the Patriots’ offensive line went from being one of the worst position groups in the NFL to a top-10 unit. The dramatic turnaround was one of the biggest reasons behind the improvement of quarterback Drake Maye and the rest of the offense.
Whether it was coaching, personnel acquisitions, lineup combinations, or a combination, the Patriots pushed all the right buttons up front in 2025. Coach Mike Vrabel and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf brought in high-character veterans who blended nicely with the holdovers and young players to create a sturdy protection plan. It was by no means perfect (the line was overwhelmed by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl), but the season as a whole represented a colossal step forward.
That being said, the Patriots need to keep the arrow pointed in the right direction. There are three areas of focus this offseason. One of the reasons the group was so successful was because it stayed relatively healthy. It’s probably not realistic to expect the same good luck in 2026, so there’s a need to add depth at all three positions.
It’s also worth wondering about the tackle position, specifically whether the Patriots can get another year out of Morgan Moses, who turned 35 on Tuesday. And — as Wolf said last week — how much of Will Campbell’s late-season slide could be tied to the torn MCL he suffered in November. Given Vrabel’s affection for Campbell, a move for a tackle shouldn’t be seen as a referendum on the 2025 first-round pick. Vrabel loves to create competition, so the idea of bringing someone to compete for a starting job at either tackle spot would be in character.
And youngsters such as Caedan Wallace and Marcus Bryant, and veteran holdovers such as Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe, and Thayer Munford (the last two of whom are pending free agents) could be part of the conversation in 2026, particularly if the Patriots can’t find an additional layer of protection in the draft or free agency.
Ultimately, the Patriots have to answer some questions for the offensive line to continue to improve, particularly regarding the bounce-back potential of Campbell and Jared Wilson after the Super Bowl. But given the sizable improvement the group showed in 2025, there’s reason to believe it can build on that.
Currently on the roster: C Garrett Bradbury, C/G Ben Brown, G Mike Onwenu, G/C Jared Wilson, T Marcus Bryant, T Will Campbell, T Vederian Lowe, T Morgan Moses, T Thayer Munford, G/T Caedan Wallace, T Yasir Durant (ended season on injured reserve), G Mekhi Butler, OL Brenden Jaimes, T Lorenz Metz, G Andrew Rupcich.
Notable free agents (pending franchise tag assignments)
He’d certainly be costly, but Tyler Linderbaum could appeal to the Patriots if they decide to cut ties with Bradbury. Legendary left tackle Trent Williams could soon be on this list, as he appears to be headed for a messy divorce with the 49ers. While the Patriots wouldn’t get any younger (Williams turns 38 before the start of the season), he’s coming off another very good season.
Nabbing guard David Edwards would not only improve the Patriots’ offensive line, but it would deal a blow to the rival Bills. And even though Wolf denied a report the Patriots were looking to add Packers tackle Rasheed Walker, the market can be fluid.
Adding guard David Edwards would help the Patriots while hurting the rival Bills.
Adding guard David Edwards would help the Patriots while hurting the rival Bills.Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press
Tier 1: C Tyler Linderbaum, G Isaac Seumalo, G David Edwards, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, T Rasheed Walker.
Tier 2: T Jermaine Eluemunor, G Joel Bitonio, T Braxton Jones, G Kevin Zeitler, C Lloyd Cushenberry, T Jonah Williams, T Cam Robinson, T Trent Brown.
Draft possibilities
Depending on what the Patriots do in free agency, there should be some intriguing offensive line possibilities to consider near the end of the first round. George tackle Monroe Freeling has been connected with the Patriots via several mock drafts.
Several mock drafts have the Patriots interested in Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling.
Several mock drafts have the Patriots interested in Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling.George Walker IV/Associated Press
Day 1: T Francis Mauigoa (Miami), T Spencer Fano (Utah), T Monroe Freeling (Georgia), T Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), G Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State).
Day 2: T Caleb Lomu (Utah), Max Iheanachor (Arizona State), G Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon), G Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M), G/T Gennings Dunker (Iowa).
The Eagles wide receiver has been rumored to be a Patriots target via trade. Ben Volin and Conor Ryan explain that wide receivers shouldn’t be a priority this o
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.