Report: New England Patriots Sign Offensive Tackle

The New England Patriots seem to have found the winning formula, and they have a huge plan for the upcoming season. The team selected a bunch of talented prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft, and they plan on bringing in another offensive tackle.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that the Patriots may bring in former Broncos and Cardinals offensive tackle Jared Veldheer. He will probably agree to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. The Patriots plan to land Veldheer on Wednesday after the league’s deadline for free agents counting against the compensatory pick formula.

“It’s expected to be a 1-year deal worth up to $6.5 million for Veldheer. Nice deal for a veteran who has 113 career starts. And it’ll get done after the deadline for counting toward compensatory picks, which the #Patriots love.”

Veldheer spent some time with the team. The Patriots lack depth at tackle spots after Trent Brown’s decision to leave the team in free agency. Isaiah Wynn still recovers from his torn Achilles.

The offensive tackle is a former third-round pick of the Raiders in 2010 out of Hillsdale. He was left tackle in the first four years of his tenure in Oakland. Mario Henderson changed his career in 2013, and Veldheer signed a five-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. He was left tackle at the beginning of his time with the team, but was later moved to right tackle after ending on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

Veldheer was traded to the Denver Broncos last offseason for a sixth-round pick and started 12 games with the team. He suffered a knee injury in the season.

The Patriots are playing really smart with Veldheer. They will see two third-round compensatory picks and two six-rounders. This move may help them get one of the sixth-round picks.

Veldheer will add depth to the Patriots’ offensive line in case he ends up in the opening 53-man roster. He will probably take Trent Brown’s position as left tackle. Marcus Cannon is expected to take his right tackle position. The Patriots will play him or former West Virginia tackle and 2019 third-round pick Rodny Cajuste when it comes to picking a swing tackle to back up Wynn and Cannon.