Upgrading the offensive line during the season is one of the toughest challenges in football. It’s notoriously difficult to find available talent, as teams are often reluctant to part with their top linemen, even for substantial compensation.
Former Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson, under whom New England Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf worked, once noted that God only made so many big, athletic players. For Wolf, identifying and acquiring some of these athletes is crucial. The Patriots invested the third overall pick in this year’s draft to select quarterback Drake Maye, but the current state of the offensive line has made it nearly impossible to get him on the field.
After three weeks of play—excluding two “Monday Night Football” games—New England has the fifth-worst pass-blocking team grade according to Pro Football Focus and sits dead last in pass block win rate. While Maye is expected to eventually take over the starting role from Jacoby Brissett, it’s hard to envision significant improvement under the current circumstances.
So how can the Patriots realistically enhance their offensive line during the season? Here are some viable options:
Trade Targets
One potential trade target could be right tackle Jack Conklin of the Cleveland Browns, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Given that backup Dawand Jones performed adequately in Conklin’s absence, the Browns might consider moving on from Conklin’s substantial contract, especially with their financial commitments to quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Another option could be David Quessenberry of the Minnesota Vikings. Quessenberry has experience playing for several teams, including the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills. Since he is currently behind starters Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill in Minnesota, he may be available for reasonable draft compensation.
Free Agent Options
Despite injuries and a lack of interest, several decent tackles remain available in free agency. Former Arizona Cardinals left tackle DJ Humphries may not be flashy, but he brings a level of competence that could benefit the Patriots. Charles Leno and Donovan Smith have experienced ups and downs in their careers but would likely still provide an upgrade over the current roster.
The highest-ceiling option is former All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. However, his ongoing knee issues—having played just 13 games since tearing his ACL in 2020—raise concerns. When healthy, Bakhtiari has performed well, making it essential for the Patriots to evaluate whether he can consistently remain on the field. Notably, Bakhtiari played under current Patriots coaching staff member Alex Van Pelt, adding a layer of familiarity to the potential acquisition.
Practice Squad Options
The Patriots could also look to enhance their offensive line by signing lower-level players from opposing teams’ practice squads. These players are technically free agents, allowing New England to bring them onto the 53-man roster at any point. However, the signing team must retain the player for at least three weeks.
One candidate is former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Jackson Carman, who has faced challenges in his career but possesses potential. Currently with the Miami Dolphins, he could be a worthwhile investment. For the interior line, center Connor McGovern recently signed with the New York Jets, but a compelling offer could persuade him to join the Patriots. Veteran guard Lecitus Smith, who had a decent preseason with the Green Bay Packers, might also be an option.
While finding a genuine upgrade at this stage is challenging, the most feasible path for the Patriots is to hope for improved health among their current roster. Nevertheless, Eliot Wolf must leave no stone unturned in his efforts to create the best possible situation for Drake Maye as the season progresses.
