New England Patriots: 3 Bargains to target in 2019 NFL free agency

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Jared Veldheer #66 after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

2. T Jared Veldheer (Denver Broncos)

For the second consecutive season, the New England Patriots are looking for a placement at left tackle. In 2018, Nate Solder left via free agency and signed a big contract with the New York Giants. This past week, it was Trent Brown who made his way to the Bay Area and joined the Oakland Raiders.

Keep in mind that the Pats’ offensive line, coached by the legendary Dante Scarnecchia, played lights-out football in 2018 and may have been even better in three-game postseason sweep of the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams.

In 2018, only four teams in the league averaged more yards per game on the ground and the club allowed only 21 sacks. In three playoff outings, the team rolled up 161.7 rushing yards per contest and allowed quarterback Tom Brady to be sacked only once.

A year ago, the Patriots used the first of their pair of first-round picks on University of Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn. Like many of the team’s 2018 draft class, he spent the year on injured reserve. In any case, he could be the heir apparent to Brown if he’s ready to play.

But could Bill Belichick add savvy veteran Jared Veldheer? The veteran blocker has been a starter at both left and right tackle in nine NFL seasons and was a 12-game starter with the Denver Broncos this past year.

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