Patriots Reportedly Hosting Rival O Lineman For Free Agent Visit

The New England Patriots lost a few valuable players so far, including a few starters. Head coach Bill Belichick has to fill the holes on his 2022 roster and he has his eyes set on a few potential targets. According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, the Patriots reached out for their rivals and they are now hosting a talented lineman.

The Patriots will have to boost the offense in the offseason otherwise they will face serious problems in the regular season. Ryan Bates had a free agent visit and Belichick will have to determine whether the restricted free agent is a good option for his offense.

Patriots are hosting versatile Bills lineman

Getting a player from the Buffalo Bills? Why not? The Patriots lost the wild-card game to Bates’ team and missed the chance to make the big game.

Bates, 25, spent three seasons with the Bills. He saw action in 41 games with four starts. The Bills trusted him enough to give him a starting role in the final three games of the 2021 NFL season. He also started in the two playoff games at left guard. There’s more. Bates also saw action at center, right guard, and jumbo tight end. Impressive, huh? Belichick likes versatile players and Bates could be a nice addition to his current team. The Patriots have to consider adding depth to their linebacker unit.

Buffalo placed an original-round RFA tender on Bates. Now they can match the offers their veteran receives. Of course, Bates was undrafted so his current team wouldn’t get a draft-pick if he decides to take his talents somewhere else.

Belichick is expected to land a few awesome players in the offseason. He made sure Matthew Slater, Devin McCourty, and James White stay with the team. Mac Jones is around and he will get a bunch of strong weapons ahead of the regular season. There are several excellent options for the Patriots and Matthew Judon is already recruiting players. Chandler Jones didn’t sign with the Patriots and Judon has his eyes set on another player. Julio Jones?