Patriots reportedly pick up offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn’s fifth-year contract option

After re-signing David Andrews and acquiring Trent Brown via the trade earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots’ offensive line has seen another major move: as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team has decided to exercise the fifth-year contract option on left tackle Isaiah Wynn’s rookie pact.

Wynn, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick of the 2018 draft, will now be under contract with the Patriots through the 2022 season.

Since arriving in New England, Wynn has repeatedly shown his impressive talents and has looked like a bona fide offensive tackle whenever on the field. As the Patriots’ starter at the left tackle position ever since the 2019 season, he has displayed all the tools necessary to become an elite player at the position and hold down the fort for years to come.

For as good as the Georgia product has looked when in the lineup, however, staying on the field has been an issue for the 25-year-old: he appeared in only 19 of a possible 52 games since entering the league in 2018 and has spent time on injured reserve in each of his first three seasons as a pro.

Wynn tore his Achilles tendon a few snaps into his first ever preseason game, missing his entire rookie campaign as a result. He later dealt with a turf toe issue in Year 2, and last season hurt his knee in late November.

Still, the Patriots apparently still feel confident in his long-term outlook as part of the organization. The option, after all, adds a fully-guaranteed fifth year to his current pact at a cost of $10.413 million.

As for fellow 2018 first-round draft pick Sony Michel, the expectation is still that New England will not exercise his option.

The running back, who was selected 31st overall out of Georgia, has looked good at times and is coming off a season in which he led the position in yards per carry. However, his positional value in combination with another early-down option, Rhamondre Stevenson, getting drafted in the fourth round pretty much sealed the deal. The Patriots still have until 4 pm to make an official decision, though.