A left tackle was a very big need for the New England Patriots this offseason, but they still haven’t been able to land one in free agency.
Cam Robinson remained on the market for a little bit, but he ultimately signed with the Houston Texans on Thursday on a one-year deal worth a maximum value of $14.5 million.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that the Patriots showed interest and were “in the mix to some degree” for Robinson. However, the tackle preferred to join the Texans.
He has started 101 out of 101 games, recording 6,317 snaps at left tackle.
Here’s what Robinson brings to the table according to A to Z Sports’ Vikings writer Tyler Forness:
“The Vikings traded for Robinson after Christian Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL against the Los Angeles Rams in week eight. He came in and solidified the offensive line quickly for the Vikings. They won nine-straight games with Robinson at left tackle, but his flaws were a problem at the end of the season. While Robinson has 35.5” arms, he shows a tendency to overset and inside moves and counters can beat him relatively easily. That factor is a big reason why he allowed 17 pressures over the final two games. If you have a good left guard next to him, those issues will be minimized.”
It was exactly what the Patriots needed, especially after losing out on some other key players. But, they couldn’t make it happen.
This offseason, New England was rumored to be interested in Ronnie Stanley before he re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens. They also lost out on veteran tackles Dan Moore and Jaylon Moore.
The Patriots addressed their right tackle needs, signing former New York Jets veteran Morgan Moses to a three-year deal. As for what to do at left tackle, they will either have to bring in another veteran who is available or try to address this in the draft.