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New England Patriots: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

By Russell S. Baxter

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 01: Jordan Matthews
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 01: Jordan Matthews /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks recovers the interception by middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54, pursued by Trent Brown #77 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks recovers the interception by middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54, pursued by Trent Brown #77 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

4. Trent Brown, OT (from San Francisco 49ers)

There were quite a few prominent free-agent defections for the defending AFC champions this offseason. The list includes running back Dion Lewis and Malcolm Butler, both now members of the Tennessee Titans. Wide receiver Danny Amendola, off a great postseason with the New England Patriots, is now a member of the Miami Dolphins.

There were two other significant departures as well. The team’s starting tackles, Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming, are now members of the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, respectively. As for the incumbents with the team entering this offseason, LaAdrian Waddle is the frontrunner to replace Solder while six-year pro Marcus Cannon — who has made 41 career regular-season starts along the offensive front (seven in 2017) — could be the team’s new starter on the right side.

Could is the operative word thanks to the Patriots’ decision to deal a 2018 third-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for tackle Trent Brown and a fifth-round draft choice in April. He was a 16-game starter at right tackle in his second season in 2016. A year ago, he played and made 10 starts — all but one on the right side.

He may certainly push Waddle for the job at left tackle or present a challenge to Cannon on the other side. Not long after the trade, the former Niner seemed ready for any challenge ahead of him.

“I’ve always played both sides,” said the three-year pro to Karen Guregian of the Boston Globe. “I started out playing (left) in college. I played left in high school,” he said. “I really started playing right when I got to the University of Florida. But, switching sides has never been (an issue).”

We shall see if that’s the case upon his arrival in New England.

Next: No. 3

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