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Finding protection for Drake Maye: Top tackles set to hit free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots have a busy offseason ahead. Eliot Wolf and the rest of the front office will be expected to address several areas of need, none more crucial than the offensive tackle position.
Protecting their prized young quarterback Drake Maye is paramount. While upgrading the wide receiver room remains a priority, it won’t matter if the third-overall draft pick can’t get the ball to his top targets. New England can’t afford to enter the 2025 season with the same offensive line woes that have haunted them throughout Maye’s rookie campaign.
Fortunately, the Patriots should have some enticing options to bolster their o-line next spring whether it’s in the draft — where they’ll likely have a top-five pick — or free agency. The latter could be tougher since the top tackles are typically extended before they hit the open market.
Nevertheless, here are the top offensive tackles scheduled to become free agents in 2025 that the Patriots should have their eyes on:
Ronnie Stanley
Age: 31
Ronnie Stanley has boosted his stock this season with the Batlimore Ravens.
Stanley has spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore, where he earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods in 2019. He’s in the midst of a bounce-back campaign and has set himself up for a lucrative contract in free agency. Pro Football Focus ranks him 16th among all NFL tackles with an 80.6 pass-blocking grade.
Alaric Jackson
Age: 27
Alaric Jackson is likely to be extended by the Los Angeles Rams, but he’ll be among the most coveted tackles if he hits free agency.
Jackson reaching free agency would be a surprise. He’s in his prime as the youngest tackle on this list. Rarely in this day and age do tackles of his caliber not get signed to extensions. If he does hit the open market, he should be near the top of the Patriots’ list of targets.
Tyron Smith
Age: 34
Injuries are an obvious concern for Tyron…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/finding-protection-drake-maye-top-214842319.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-12-06 21:48:00
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