Patriots re-sign OL Brian Schwenke to one-year extension
The Patriots have made their first move of the offseason, shoring up their depth on the interior of the offensive line.
Aug 30, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots running back Ralph Webb carries the ball in front of offensive guard Brian Schwenke during the second half at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAYAug 30, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots running back Ralph Webb carries the ball in front of offensive guard Brian Schwenke during the second half at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Patriots have signed offensive lineman Brian Schwenke to a one-year extension through 2019 for $895,000. The six-year veteran gets a pay bump off the $790,000 he earned in 2018.
The Pats placed Schwenke on injured reserve with a foot injury in Week 10. He was active for three games and played four snaps prior to that.
Schwenke, 27, played 57 games in five seasons with the Tennessee Titans prior to joining the Patriots. The durability of the starters, plus the presence of primary backup interior lineman Ted Karras, made it hard for Schwenke to see the field.
Clearly, Bill Belichick likes the experience and depth that Schwenke brings to the group. The Patriots also have James Ferentz, who was elevated to the 53-man roster soon after Schwenke went on IR, signed through 2019.
Left tackle remains an area of need for the Pats as Trent Brown heads toward free agency. If Brown departs, sophomore Isaiah Wynn would be the leading choice to assume those duties despite missing his entire rookie season with an Achilles injury.
But on the interior of the offensive line, the Patriots are as deep as they are at any position on the roster.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
