If the playoffs proved anything about the Patriots offense, it’s that Drake Maye needs better protection.
Even in a lackluster free-agent class for offensive linemen, the Patriots should come out with one, if not two, new blockers for Maye.
Here are seven names to know, with contract projections courtesy of Pro Football Focus:
Top targets
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 308
Age: 26
Projected contract: $17.5 million per year
An injury risk who could offer a big payoff, Vera-Tucker finished as the NFL’s 10th-best offensive guard in 2024, per Pro Football Focus player grades, before a season-ending torn triceps cut last summer. He allowed a miniscule 2.8% pressure rate that season, per PFF. The Patriots regarded Vera-Tucker highly coming out of the draft in 2021, as a tough, athletic lineman who could play multiple spots. When healthy, that’s exactly who he’s been as a pro.
If the Pats targeted and signed Vera-Tucker, he would take over starting left guard duties, kicking Jared Wilson back to center for a position battle this summer with Garrett Bradbury. The Patriots were happy with Bradbury’s performance last year, though the playoffs showed the team must improve up front, something Vera-Tucker could help with from Day 1 — if healthy. So far, he’s appeared in just 43 of a possible 85 career games.
OG David Edwards
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 308
Age: 28
Projected contract: $11.67 million per year
A real development success story, Edwards is a late-blooming seven-year veteran who asserted himself as one of the best left guards in the league last season, especially in pass protection. Edwards has started 16 games each of the past two seasons in Buffalo, where the Bills are expected to push to re-sign him. Like Vera-Tucker, Edwards would become the Pats’ new starting left guard if signed to his projected free-agent contract, sandwiched between Will Campbell and Wilson or Bradbury at center.
Mid-level veterans
OG Joel Bitonio
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 320
Age: 34
Projected contract: $4.5 million per year
As of late Thursday night, it was unknown whether Bitonio planned to return for a 13th season or retire. But if he’s got more football left, the Patriots should get on the phone.
Despite his advanced age, Bitonio allowed just two sacks in 686 pass-blocking snaps last season, per PFF. He’s exceptionally durable, playing at least 15 games in 10 of his 12 seasons. He was a multi-year captain in Cleveland, plus a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
Like the aforementioned left guards, Bitonio should replace Wilson in the starting lineup if signed. But the extra benefits of his addition here include veteran leadership, mentorship and a more team-friendly contract than those Vera-Tucker and Edwards are expected to sign if he wants to keep playing.
OT Braxton Jones
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 303
Age: 26
Projected contract: $5 million per year
The Patriots need a swing tackle, and Jones could fit the part.
He’s an athletic left tackle with 44 starts worth of experience. Injuries and a midseason benching sunk his 2025 campaign, but Jones proved himself a capable pass-protector over the first three years of his career. In this case, the Pats would likely sign him to a short-term deal as a replacement for Vederian Lowe and draft an offensive tackle to continue building depth.
Bargain bin
OT Yosh Nijman
Ht/Wt: 6-7, 314
Age: 30
Projected contract: $1.5 million per year
A better run-blocker than pass-protector, Nijman played both tackle spots in Carolina after a few years in Green Bay. He’s one of the true swing tackles available and a plus athlete for his position. Nijman has 29 starts in 105 career game appearances.
OT Vederian Lowe
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 315
Age: 26
Projected contract: N/A
The Patriots have publicly and privately expressed interest in retaining Lowe, a one-time piñata for the fan base who played fairly well in Will Campbell’s injury absence last December. Lowe has drawn outside interest, but should sign for no more than $6 million per year when all is said and signed. That money reflects the role he’s found in New England that truly suited him all along: top backup.
OT Thayer Munford
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 354
Age: 26
Projected contract: $1.22 million per year
Munford primarily served as the Patriots’ jumbo tight end last year, but could be called on as a backup right tackle. With Morgan Moses approaching 35 years old, the Pats would be wise to find a backup for him next season. And the answer may be right in front of their noses.