Patriots could be in play for top tackle in free agency
The New England Patriots are in dire need of a starting tackle (or two). A new report suggests they could address the position with a big move on the open market.
New England reportedly “would like to find a starting-caliber tackle in free agency” and a name to watch is the top tackle on the market, Tyron Smith, according to a recent report by Mark Daniels, Chris Mason, and Karen Guregian at MassLive. Smith, 33, has spent the past 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
MORE: How will the Patriots adjust to a thin wide receiver market?
And despite being quite long in the tooth, Smith is still playing at a high level. He earned second team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press in 2023, despite playing only 13 games. Smith has missed time in recent seasons, playing just 30 of a possible 67 games since 2020, but can clearly still be a good starting left tackle when healthy.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS: Terence Steele #78, Zack Martin #70, and Tyron Smith #77 of the Dallas Cowboys lead the team on to the field before a game against the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The Pats did not tag impending free agent tackle/guard Mike Onwenu, who is reportedly expected to become an unrestricted free agent. So, it’s possible the Patriots need a left tackle and a right tackle heading into the 2024 season. They certainly don’t have a legitimate starter on the roster right now.
If New England misses out on Tyron Smith among the free-agent tackles, they could try for Jonah Williams or Charles Leno. It’s a thin class overall. So, if they really want a starter off the open market, it’ll take a very competitive offer.
Read below for the latest Patriots free agency news & rumors in our live tracker.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Patriots Free Agency Tracker: The latest news & rumors in New England
Patriots Sign Right Tackle
As first reported by
The #Patriots beef up their tackle spot, agreeing to terms with former #Steelers starter Chukwuma Okorafor, source said. Plenty of starting experience.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. The 26-year-old started 59 of 77 games for Pittsburgh from 2018-23.According to Field Yates, Okorafor’s contract is for one year and a base value of $4 million with a chance to be worth up to $8.25 million. The move feels like an insurance signing in the event that the Pats end up losing Mike Onwenu in free agency.
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (76) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Onwenu to become free agent
The Patriots used up their only tag on safety Kyle Dugger, who got the transition tag. That means they couldn’t use any tag on offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. That didn’t necessarily mean Onwenu couldn’t still sign an extension with the Patriots, but according to
This also means that #Patriots versatile OL Mike Onwenu won't be tagged and will be a free agent. https://t.co/HyjjHto0Zz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Rapoport, Onwenu is expected to become an unrestricted free agent.New England now runs the risk of losing its starting right tackle to free agency. With left tackle Trent Brown also likely gone, the Patriots have a lot of work to do at that position.
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots guard Mike Onwenu (71) blocks against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Patriots place transition tag on Kyle Dugger
The Patriots have applied the transition tag – not the franchise tag – to safety Kyle Dugger, as reported by
Dugger now set to make $13.81M on the tag. Gives New England time to hash out a long-term deal with him. https://t.co/KLV1b1vJNr
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 5, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Per the report, Dugger’s transition tag costs $13.81 million. Fowler believes the Patriots could be buying time to work toward a long-term deal with the 27-year-old safety.The transition tag gives the Patriots the right to match any offer Dugger would receive on the open market, similar to a restricted free agent getting an offer sheet. However, the big difference is if they lose Dugger to another team, they won’t receive any compensation.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 01: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots runs back an interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Patriots not close with Henry, Bourne
It doesn’t sound good for the Patriots’ chances to re-sign either wide receiver Kendrick Bourne or tight end Hunter Henry. According to a report by MassLive from the combine, they’re “not seeing eye-to-eye” with Bourne on a contract, and they’re “far apart on an extension” with Henry.
The report did also state that the Patriots “would like to bring Henry back.” But it sounds like it’s going to take a real, competitive offer to get that done.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Kendrick Bourne #84 after a touchdown during the first half in the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
