As the NFL offseason begins, tackle is high on the list of needs for the Patriots. If it’s not at the top of the list it’s a very close second, and there’s an argument to be made that it should be listed twice within the top five. After all, the Patriots only have two players at the position currently under contract for 2023 – Trent Brown in the final year of his deal and a chance to free up to $10 million by releasing him, and 2022 seventh-round pick Andrew Stueber who missed all of last year with a significant leg injury.

Luckily for the Patriots, this year projects to feature a strong tackle market both in free agency and the draft. However, that market may be taking a big hit before free agency even opens.

• 
  (Click here to subscribe to Patriots Audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)

• Before Sunday’s game, ESPN reported that the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to franchise tag left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. this offseason. Brown has been the Chiefs’ starter at that position for each of the last two years, after being acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. This would be the second year in a row Brown gets franchised by Kansas City.

  If and when Brown gets franchised, the top tier of this year’s free agency tackle class becomes all right tackles. In their annual Top 100 Free Agent rankings, PFF has Mike McGlinchey, Jawaan Taylor, and Kaleb McGary – all right tackles – as the next highest rated group. The top left tackles after Brown are, according to PFF, current Patriot Isaiah Wynn, and former Patriot Cameron Fleming.

  The good news for the Patriots here is that this draft class is loaded at the left tackle position. Four of the projected top five tackles in this class all play on the left side. It’s something we have them taking advantage of in our first mock draft of the offseason.

  Between Brown’s positional versatility, and the fact they pretty much need to rebuild the position room from scratch, the Patriots can be flexible in approaching the tackle position this offseason. But if the plan was to sign a plug-and-play left tackle, that might no longer be an option. If they want to be aggressive, it’s lining up for them to sign a tackle on the right side, then use a premium draft pick on one on the left side.

• Mike McGlinchey, 49ers

  

  SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the game at Levi’s Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

• Jawaan Taylor, Jaguars

  

  Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (75) reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers during a wild card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

• Kaleb McGary, Falcons

  

  December 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

• Alex Barth 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

Sign me up for the 98.5 The Sports Hub email newsletter!

Get the latest Boston sports news and analysis, plus exclusive on-demand content and special giveaways from Boston's Home for Sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.