The free agency rumor mill is churning, and the New England Patriots have been described as a best fit for one lineman. ESPN’s Matt Bowen indicated offensive tackle Jonah Willams would be the player he sees as a good fit for New England.
Williams broke into the league with the Cincinnati Bengals as the No. 11 overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft. He was a dependable figure on the offensive line for many seasons, starting in all 64 games he played in Cincinnati and becoming a mainstay on the line.
Williams will hit the market on March 13, if the Bengals decide not to offer him a new deal.
Bowen wrote:
With both starting tackles — Mike Onwenu and Trent Brown — set to hit free agency, the Patriots could shore up the edges of the OL with Williams, a Bengals mainstay this past season. Despite his lack of upper-tier power and length, Williams wins with technique, gaining depth to create blocking angles and pass-set lines. He’d start at the right tackle spot for New England.
Williams could be a priority target, as the tackle depth could take a hit in the off-season. Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu are both going to hit free agency, which could leave holes for New England to fill. Williams would at least be able to provide veteran reinforcements on a line that was inconsistent last season.
The Patriots are likely going to be aggressive in trying to acquire linemen. They are already planning to pursue Dallas Cowboys eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith. Adding Williams to the mix would be another solid option.