Tag: Lucas Patrick

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was Lucas Patrick a good signing?

Taking a look back at the 2024 offseason, was Lucas Patrick a good signing for the Saints? He played some important snaps at left guard:

The NFL offseason grows ever closer by the day, and as the New Orleans Saints look towards the future under a new head coach, there is also some time to look in retrospect at their 2024 offseason. While they only had a couple of signings and departures, it is worth taking a look at how each of those panned out during the season.

One of their more notable 2024 signings was left guard Lucas Patrick, who ended up being the starter for the large majority of the time he was available and was an intriguing piece throughout the course of the year. Let’s take a look at his contract, 2024 season, and give the signing a grade:

Free agent contract

Lucas Patrick signed one of the more simple contracts when it comes to the Saints, with a one-year deal worth $1,210,000 with $324,000 guaranteed. Among the left guards in the 2024 season, this was the 38th largest contract of 94, so near starting value as he almost made the top 32.

There are no additional void years or additions as it was a smaller scale contract, so the Saints have full flexibility to let him walk or bring him back if they wish to do so.

Snap counts

Patrick has had a very split snap count in his career, as early on he did not get many at all, but then he started getting significantly more in recent years. Here are his offensive snap totals for each season, only including games he played in:

  • 2017: 29% (227)
  • 2018: 29% (278)
  • 2019: 15% (137)
  • 2020: 90% (939)
  • 2021: 82% (911)
  • 2022: 65% (269)
  • 2023: 88% (958)
  • 2024: 79% (563)

2024 season review

2024 was a solid season for Patrick, not his best but absolutely one of his best, and it went heavily under the radar due to the time he missed with injury. In his 11 games played (10 started), he allowed 0 sacks, 10 pressures, and had 3 penalties, good for a 98.4% pass blocking rate. This type of production is exceptional, especially when dealing with injuries later in the season that made things difficult on him. 

Report card grade

Overall this was a solid signing for the Saints, given the price and production both being solid. The six games missed makes it tough to go higher than where we have him graded, however it was definitely a season worth following up with another one-year deal. Given he was expected to be replacement-level or a low-end starter, he had an exceptional season statistically and worked well with the offensive line in place.

Signing Grade: B-

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Saints free agent preview: LG Lucas Patrick, stay or go?

Previewing free agency for the New Orleans Saints: Should they retain left guard Lucas Patrick, or let him walk in the 2025 offseason?

The New Orleans Saints are going to have to make some decisions this offseason, with plenty of quality or depth free agents in this class, they will need to choose who to keep and who to let walk. While this is not as high-leverage of an offseason as some others for them, there are definitely some decent pieces they need to consider in their plans for the future.

One of the players they will need to make a decision on is Lucas Patrick, who started 10 games at left guard this season while battling several injuries. While he may not have been perfect, he performed well in the circumstances he was given.

With that said, here is his career in a nutshell so far:

Career Stats

Patrick has been able to start 64 of his 107 career games through eight seasons in the NFL. He is one of the most disciplined lineman in the NFL as well, with only 18 total penalties in his entire career, and despite having 7 in 2023 with the Chicago Bears, he never had more than 4 in any other season.

In his eight seasons he has only given up 9 sacks, 119 pressures, and 18 QB hits, good for a career 97.5% pass blocking rate.

Snap Counts

Here are the offensive snap counts for the games Patrick played in over the course of each season:

  • 2017 – 29% (227)
  • 2018 – 29% (278)
  • 2019 – 15% (137)
  • 2020 – 90% (939)
  • 2021 – 82% (911)
  • 2022 – 65% (269)
  • 2023 – 88% (958)
  • 2024 – 79% (563)

2024 season review

When it comes down to it, 2024 was actually a pretty exceptional season for Patrick. In his 563 snaps, he had 0 sacks allowed, 10 pressures allowed, and only 3 total penalties. This strong performance was good for a 98.4% pass block success rate. Additionally, 7 of his pressures allowed came from only 2 games, one of which was after his injury (Week 16 against Green Bay Packers) so he should at least get somewhat of a pass for that.

Overall, it was a quality season for Patrick who was coming off one of his worst seasons.

Stay or go?

Lucas Patrick is a player the Saints should make an effort to keep around, as at minimum veteran depth. He feels like he would fit into the role of what James Hurst did when he was with the Saints, a spot starter who can fill the void at a few positions, and hold the spot for a rookie as they develop. While not a long term option, he no doubt had a solid season, and if the Saints can get him on a one- or two-year deal on similar value to his past contract per year, they should no doubt accept that.

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Saints injury report: Starting offensive line coming into focus vs. Giants

The New Orleans Saints could have their starting offensive line together for the first time since Week 3 against the New York Giants. More on Thursday’s injury report:

There weren’t many changes for the New Orleans Saints on Thursday’s updated injury report, but the news we did get was mostly positive ahead of Sunday’s game with the New York Giants. The Saints announced that right guard Cesar Ruiz (concussion) returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out on Wednesday, and he would bring a big boost to an offensive line already dealing with several high-profile injuries.

If Ruiz is able to go along with left guard Lucas Patrick (calf) and center Erik McCoy (groin), each of whom also practiced limited reps, the Saints would have their starting five together again for the first time since Week 3.

Of course it wasn’t all good news. Rookie wide receiver Bub Means (ankle), still on injured reserve, did not participate in Thursday’s practice after seeing limited snaps to start the week. Whether he’s experienced a setback or was held out of an abundance of caution remains to be seen.

As for the Giants? They added three players to their already-heavy injury report, most notably rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (groin). His status is worth monitoring in the days ahead. For now, here’s the full Thursday injury report from both teams:

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Saints center Lucas Patrick questionable to return vs. Panthers with calf injury

New Orleans Saints starting center Lucas Patrick is questionable to return against the Carolina Panthers with a calf injury.

New Orleans Saints starting center Lucas Patrick is questionable to return to Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers with a calf injury. He was seen limping on his way to the locker room.

Patrick is a notable piece of the Saints’ protection up front, entering this game with the most pass-blocking snaps without a pressure allowed in Week 8, according to Pro Football Focus.

The injury bug has bitten the Saints in almost more facets that can be counted so far this season, and it has come within some critical position groups like quarterback and the offensive line.

There are plenty of other reasons outside of this that the Saints have had issues on that side of the ball after opening up the season with an electric offensive effort when they totaled 91 points through the first two games of the year, but this hasn’t helped at all.

And a potential additional loss within the O-line like this one certainly doesn’t bode well in a close matchup like this one.

The Saints currently trail the Panthers, 17-16 at the start of the fourth quarter in Charlotte.

Update: Patrick was later ruled out.

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Saints vs. Chargers may come down to this pivotal stat

With a pair of offensive linemen hopefully returning, the Saints’ ability to open up running lanes should improve. It has to if they’re going to end this losing streak.

One of the biggest flaws of the New Orleans Saints this season has been the struggles in the offensive line.

The Saints are middle of the pack in run blocking this year, currently possessing 16th best run block win rate. Both teams are going to prioritize the run offensively. The Los Angeles Chargers are really good at stopping the run.

Joey Bosa is dealing with an injury, but at best the Saints will still have to deal with Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree. As a team, the Chargers have the 8th best run stop win rate.

Lucas Patrick and Cesar Ruiz may return from injury this week for the Saints. That should help matters. Alvin Kamara started the season on fire, but injuries have made it difficult for Kamara to find running lanes.

Running the football is the identity of this team, and they’ve been unable to do it in recent games. It’s a big reason the offense has stalled out. This week they’re going against one of the best rush defenses in the league.

If trends continue, the Chargers will dominate the trenches which will greatly limit the Saints’ chances of victory.

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Saints Pro Bowl center recovering on schedule after injury

Erik McCoy remains on schedule in his recovery from groin surgery, and the New Orleans Saints may have a target date for his return:

The expectation is New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy will be back from injured reserve no later than Week 13 versus the Los Angeles Rams and possibly earlier, per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. This is right on schedule for what was predicted.

The Saints offense entered an immediate spiral when McCoy went down with a groin injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. That game was a disaster for the offensive line, and it never got better. Injuries to Lucas Patrick and Cesar Ruiz only made matters worse.

New Orleans may be targeting a Week 12 return because they have a bye week prior to facing the Rams. It would essentially give McCoy two weeks of time to ramp up for the game.

That would be 10 weeks after the initial injury against the Eagles, but it would be only 8 games missed when factoring in the bye week. McCoy’s initial recovery time was 6 to 8 weeks. The bye week gives him extra cushion, but it would be right on schedule with earlier expectations.

It’s important to note McCoy remaining on schedule is a good sign he hasn’t suffered any setbacks.

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Saints starting third center in three weeks vs. Chiefs

In the last three weeks, the Saints have started Erik McCoy, Shane Lemieux and now Lucas Patrick at center:

Lucas Patrick was the New Orleans Saints’ starting center in Week 5 against t he Kansas City Chiefs. Through the first month of the season, Patrick has started every game at left guard.

This is Patrick’s first time starting at center but not his first time lining up at the position for the Saints. He filled in for Erik McCoy after McCoy injured his groin against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Saints opted to move him back to left guard the next week against the Atlanta Falcons. Shane Lemieux was signed to the active roster from the practice squad to start at center. Unfortunately, Lemieux suffered an injury that landed him next to McCoy on injured reserve.

Because of this injury, the Saints have turned back to Patrick. Nick Saldiveri will replace Patrick at left guard. Saldiveri is making the first start of his career. Landon Young is filling in for Cesar Ruiz for the second week in a row.

The Saints offensive line has been a mixture of shuffling parts on the interior due to injuries. Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning have started every game this season, on the bright side.

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Saints could start their third center in as many weeks vs. Chiefs

Injuries to Erik McCoy, Lucas Patrick, and Shane Lemieux mean the Saints may have to start their third center in as many weeks against the Chiefs:

It wasn’t too long ago that the New Orleans Saints offensive line was winning some confidence from their fans. They had gotten off to a hot start and Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy looked like their best player up front. Then he suffered a groin injury that sent him into surgery, and now he’s looking at a month or more of recovery on injured reserve.

Next man up. That was Lucas Patrick, who filled in for McCoy against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints brought up Shane Lemieux from their practice squad for the next game, but he suffered an ankle injury and won’t play on Monday night versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Next man up again, right? That would be Patrick. But he missed the last two days of practice  with a groin injury of his own and is questionable to play at all.

At some point you run out of options and get to the end of the line. That’s why the Saints signed Connor McGovern off the New York Jets practice squad, and he has a real shot at starting in Kansas City. With McCoy and Lemieux out of action and Patrick questionable, McGovern would probably be that next man up.

At least he has experience. McGovern has snapped the ball himself 4,925 times and mostly played in similar offenses to Klint Kubiak’s system. He could be a capable replacement at the pivot even if he was only in New Orleans a few days before flying out to Kansas City. Still, it’s concerning that Derek Carr would have to take the snap from another new set of hands. Especially with five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones watching and waiting to charge at him.

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Updated Saints injury report adds yet another DNP on the offensive line

The updated Saints injury report added yet another DNP on the offensive line. They’re going to have a tough time against the Chiefs if these injuries persist:

The New Orleans Saints’ Friday injury report only made matters worse for the already banged up offensive line, as guard/center Lucas Patrick (groin) was added to the list of non-participants today. The potential loss of Patrick for Monday nights’ game in Kansas City, would likely mean that the entirety of the interior starters would be out next week. Already down Erik McCoy (hernia) and likely down Cesar Ruiz (knee) and Shane Lemieux (ankle), it could be an incredibly scary sight going up against All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones in this game. Klint Kubiak and the offensive staff will almost definitely have to pull some tricks out of the hat to cover these blows.

Some other notables were that kicker Blake Grupe (right hip) was back in the lineup after not practicing Thursday as well as tight end Juwan Johnson (forearm) and running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) who were back as full participants after being limited. Tackle Taliese Fuaga (back) added knee to his back injury but was still limited once again. The other notable was that receiver A.T. Perry disappeared from the list, who we found was waived earlier today by the team.

Other than that, it was more of the same with a handful of guys status in doubt. Willie Gay (hand), Taysom Hill (rib) and Payton Turner (knee) were the other non-participants on Friday. It doesn’t look like Willie Gay will be up this week after checking out his recent Instagram post but Hill and Turner could possibly make their way to active status with an extra rest day this week. Dennis Allen said earlier in the week that Taysom does in fact have broken ribs similar to what running back Alvin Kamara was dealing with last week. This could leave the potential for Hill possibly making an effort to get out there on Monday depending on the severity. Only difference is that Hill did sustain the same injury on the opposite side of his body just two weeks ago. Although there’s a chance it is probably safe for the team to be cautious on Hill as it seems they’re a bit of a different team with him available.

Here is the full list of injuries after Friday’s practice:

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Saints’ next three games will be a challenge for the interior offensive line

The Saints will face Grady Jarrett, Chris Jones and Vita Vea over the next three weeks, and they’ll have to do it without Erik McCoy:

The New Orleans Saints will be without Erik McCoy for 6 to 8 weeks. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, the impact of his absence was overly evident.

The triumvirate of Lucas Patrick, Oli Udoh and Cesar Ruiz struggled against the Eagles. The next three games will feature repeated challenges for the group. Grady Jarrett will be on the other side this week for the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans travels to face the Kansas City Chiefs and Chris Jones in prime time after that. Vita Vea is dealing with an injury but could be available in time for the next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former Saints offensive lineman James Hurst explained the trickle-down effect of McCoy’s injury. His role includes leading and directing the rest of the unit, not just blocking the man in front of him. The responsibility comes with a week’s worth of preparation that’s difficult to supplant mid-game.

The Saints will be down their best offensive lineman and leader of the unit just in time for the most challenging stretch of defenders for the interior offensive line. The Saints must look to find McCoy’s replacement quickly.

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