The New England Patriots have had eventful offseasons for the last two years. 2021 was about adding and improving the team, while 2022 had a different feel to it, as New England lost its star cornerback in J.C. Jackson, in addition to trading away guard Shaq Mason.
New England did manage to keep some key pieces in the fold. One of those pieces was guard Trent Brown. The organization re-signed Brown for two years at a maximum of $22 million. In doing so, the Patriots kept one of the best guards in football at a low price.
With the loss of Mason, Brown’s return may prove crucial to the line. That’s not to say that the proverbial cupboard is barren at the position. The Patriots do have new pieces on the line, such as first-round pick Cole Strange. However, Brown’s return is extremely important.
PFF’s Brad Spielberger named the best offseason move for each team in the AFC, and he chose re-signing Brown as the Patriots’ choice.
Brown earned career-best 78.7 overall grade and 81.2 pass-blocking grade in 2021, and the Patriots’ AFC East foes will now line up with edge defenders Von Miller, Melvin Ingram III and Carl Lawson in addition to several young pass-rushers each has drafted in recent years.
Last but certainly not least, Brown has the ability to play both tackle spots, and his two-year deal extending beyond left tackle Isaiah Wynn’s fifth-year option season in 2022 is not a coincidence. Brown can slide over in the event of an injury and adds leverage in negotiations with the former first-rounder entering a contract year.
With so many moving parts throughout the Patriots’ organization, re-signing Brown seems like a very sensible move. When you look at the pass-rushing talents of New England’s divisional opponents, this was a move that was almost necessary,
With the rest of the offense trying to find an identity, a protected pocket will be important for quarterback Mac Jones as he works on getting the offense in sync. Brown is a big part of that goal.
