:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59163771/914347672.jpg.0.jpg)
The New England Patriots officially need another offensive tackle. Not long after the Patriots lost left tackle Nate Solder to the New York Giants, back-up tackle Cameron Fleming signed a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million with the Dallas Cowboys.
The #DallasCowboys have upgraded their offensive line position by signing two veterans, including former Patriots starting right tackle Cameron Fleming.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) March 26, 2018
https://t.co/bbOjlW3KWG pic.twitter.com/iteq75xkFo
Fleming started 20 games for the Patriots over the past four seasons, slotting in at both left and right tackle when Nate Solder or Marcus Cannon missed time for their various injuries. He was the team’s top swing tackle for 2017, which means the Patriots lost two of their top three tackles from last year and that third player- Cannon- is coming back from a season-ending injury.
This isn’t an ideal situation.
The Patriots managed to retain LaAdrian Waddle this offseason on a one-year deal and they added veteran Matt Tobin. They also have 2017 third round pick Tony Garcia coming back from a major health issue. Add in Cannon and a bunch of practice squad-level players and that’s the Patriots current depth chart.
New England spent their offseason bolstering the defensive side of the ball, while making a few smaller moves on offense. Offensive tackle should be one of the top priorities in the 2018 NFL Draft, along with finding an heir to Tom Brady and adding to the depth at linebacker.