The Patriots’ offense improved with Drake Maye’s breakout, aided by Josh McDaniels, but the offensive line remained a weakness. In the regular season, New England allowed 48 sacks, ranking 10th in the NFL, yet the postseason was worse, with Maye sacked 21 times, including six in the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The team responded by upgrading the line, keeping Will Campbell at left tackle and signing guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year, $42 million deal. Vera-Tucker’s health is the main concern due to prior torn triceps and Achilles injuries, but he has shown Pro Bowl potential when healthy. Jared Wilson is expected to return to center, while Morgan Moses remains at right tackle and Caleb Lomu was drafted for depth and swing tackle pass protection.
"During the regular season, the Patriots ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks allowed (48), but things took a turn for the worse in the playoffs. Maye was sacked an NFL record 21 times in the postseason, including six times in the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks."
"Instead of standing pat there, the Patriots bolstered their offensive line, and it was pointed out by ESPN's Bill Barnwell as the best move of the offseason for them. If the offensive line improves the way it should, fans could see an even better version of Maye in 2026."
"The Patriots made it clear they will leave Will Campbell at left tackle. To help him out, they signed guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency to a three-year, $42 million deal in free agency. The biggest question around Vera-Tucker is his health, as he's dealt with torn triceps and a torn Achilles with the New York Jets."
"With him expected to plug in at left guard, that moves Jared Wilson back to center, which is his natural position. Wilson played center in college with the Georgia Bulldogs but moved to guard in New England. Of course, that led to some growing pains, but he won't have to deal with that in 2026."
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