NFL Rumors: Patriots Considered Making This Blockbuster Trade
Much of the Patriots’ offseason offensive line talk was about Ronnie Stanley, but an even better veteran tackle was involved in a significant move this week.
Days after Stanley committed to staying with the Baltimore Ravens, Laremy Tunsil reportedly was shipped from Houston to Washington. The Texans acquired a pair of picks in each of the next two drafts (third-rounder and seventh-rounder in 2025; second-rounder and fourth-rounder in 2026) in exchange for Tunsil and a fourth-round selection this spring.
It was a bold yet sensible move by the Commanders, who aggressively sought support for their talented second-year quarterback. So, why didn’t the Patriots try to do the same for Drake Maye?
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According to NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, New England “considered” swinging a deal for Tunsil, a Pro Bowler in five of his first nine NFL seasons. However, as Perry outlined, a Tunsil trade made far more sense for the Commanders than it did for the Patriots.
“They understand as well as anyone that they need help at left tackle,” Perry wrote. “Tunsil undoubtedly would have represented a significant upgrade at the position and would have dramatically improved their on-field product. But the Patriots — unlike the Commanders, it could be argued — are not a player away from championship contention.
“They’ve made it a very clear goal to prioritize adding positive influences on the culture that new coach Mike Vrabel is trying to establish in Foxboro. And bringing aboard Tunsil, not to mention his nearly $21 million salary, had the potential to send a contradictory message to the rest of the locker room. Ultimately, then, the decision was to stay out of the bidding for the 30-year-old’s services.”
As Perry noted, there’s no denying Tunsil would have signaled an upgrade at left tackle in New England. However, that’s not a high bar to clear. Vederian Lowe was a nightmare as Maye’s blindside protector last season, so theoretically, it shouldn’t be too challenging to take steps forward at the position this offseason. The market isn’t exceptionally robust, but there still are serviceable left tackles out there.
Yes, that makes it sound like the Patriots will be forced to settle ahead of Maye’s important sophomore season. But as it relates to Tunsil, specifically, a trade of that magnitude might not have been a prudent move for a team that’s not very close to completing its rebuild.