Looking for 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 of them. Eliot Wolf and the rest of the front office are expected to address several areas of need, none of which are more important than the offensive tackle position.
Protecting their prized young quarterback Drake Maye is of utmost importance. 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 cannot afford to enter the 2025 season with the same offensive issues that dogged them during Maye’s rookie campaign.
Fortunately, the Patriots should have some attractive 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 more difficult, as the best tackles are typically expanded before hitting the open market.
Nevertheless, here are the top offensive tackles set to become free agents in 2025 that the Patriots should keep their eyes on:
Ronnie Stanley
Age: 31
Stanley has spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore, where he earned first-team Pro Bowl and All-Pro titles in 2019. He is in the midst of a rebuilding campaign and has set himself up for a lucrative contract in free agency. . Pro Football Focus ranks him 16th among all NFL tackles with a pass-blocking grade of 80.6.
Alaric Jackson
Age: 27
It would be a surprise if Jackson were to reach free agency. He is in his prime as the youngest tackle on this list. Rarely do tackles of his caliber go unextended these days. If he hits the open market, he should be at the top of the Patriots’ list of targets.
Tyron Smith
Age: 34
Smith played 13 seasons in Dallas before signing with the New York Jets last offseason. That deal didn’t work out for New York, as the team recently placed Smith on injured reserve, effectively ending his disappointing campaign. Now, the eight-time Pro Bowler has reached a crossroads in his illustrious career. If he decides to play in 2025 and can stay healthy, he would be a solid upgrade over any current option on the Pats roster.
Garett Bolles
Age: 33
Bolles has thrived as Denver’s starting left tackle since his 2017 rookie season. As team captain, his campaign at the age of 32 has arguably been his best yet. If the Broncos make the mistake of letting him walk, the Patriots would have to rush him in free agency.
Cam Robinson
Age: 29
Robinson was reportedly on the Patriots’ radar at the 2024 trade deadline, but the Jacksonville Jaguars opted to ship him to the Minnesota Vikings. It would undoubtedly be an upgrade, but it would hardly be reliable. Robinson has played just one full season since the Jaguars drafted him in 2017. He has missed an alarming number of games due to injuries or suspensions. That said, the talent is undeniable.
Morgan Moses
Age: 34
Moses has primarily played right tackle in his 11-year NFL career, but if the Patriots want an upgrade on the other side of the line, he would be the most attractive option. The veteran has been among the league’s most steady linemen since entering the league in 2014. The Patriots should prioritize protecting Maye’s blindside, but pairing Moses with a left tackle would be the ideal situation.
