The New England Patriots have their work cut out for them in rebuilding the roster, but they’ll have plenty of assets to do so through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft.
One of their most glaring needs is the offensive line, which struggled mightily in 2024. With Drake Maye now entrenched as the franchise quarterback, protecting him should be the team’s top priority this offseason.
While free agency and the draft offer opportunities to add talent, the Patriots may look to the trade market to bring in proven linemen who can provide immediate upgrades. With plenty of cap space and draft capital at their disposal, New England could pull off some key trades to strengthen their offensive front
Here are five potential trades the Patriots could explore to fix their offensive line:
OT Jack Conklin, Browns
Jack Conklin may not be the dominant force he once was, but he remains one of the league’s better offensive tackles. With Mike Vrabel’s familiarity with the Browns’ personnel from his time in Cleveland, Conklin could be a logical fit for the Patriots.
Conklin is under contract for the next two seasons with cap hits of approximately $19 million each year. At 31 years old, he could provide a veteran presence and help solidify the right tackle position, bringing stability to an offensive line that has struggled with consistency.
Projected Trade Compensation:
Patriots receive: OT Jack Conklin
Browns receive: 2025 fourth-round pick and 2026 sixth-round pick
The Browns, who are facing cap constraints due to their massive investment in Deshaun Watson, may look to offload some contracts and acquire draft assets. Conklin being traded would allow the Browns to gain valuable draft capital while the Patriots secure a proven right tackle.
OT Kolton Miller, Raiders
Kolton Miller has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Raiders, offering consistency and reliability on the blindside. Although he was not drafted during the Josh McDaniels era, the Patriots’ offensive coordinator is familiar with Miller’s capabilities from his time in Las Vegas.
Miller is entering his age-30 season in 2025 and will be a free agent the following year. If the Patriots want to shore up the left tackle position with a veteran presence, Miller would be an excellent addition.
With the Raiders potentially looking to rebuild and find their young core of the future, moving Miller could allow them to free up cap space and accumulate additional draft assets.
Projected Trade Compensation:
Patriots receive: OT Kolton Miller
Raiders receive: 2025 third-round pick and 2025 fifth-round pick
Miller’s $15 million cap hit in 2025 makes him a reasonable investment for a team with ample cap space like the Patriots, and his presence would allow them to focus on other key areas in the draft.
OT Evan Neal, Giants
Evan Neal has been one of the most disappointing first-round picks in recent years. Since being selected seventh overall in 2022, he has struggled mightily, particularly in pass protection, allowing 12 sacks and 98 pressures over three seasons, per Pro Football Focus. He is not as plug-and-play as Conklin and Miller, but he could be a low-risk, high-reward player if it works out, similar to what the Eagles did with Mekhi Becton.
Despite his struggles, Neal’s age (24) and athletic profile make him an intriguing reclamation project for a team like the Patriots, who can afford to take a flyer on a player with significant upside. If Neal can develop in a new system, he could provide value as a swing tackle or even develop into a long-term starter.
Projected Trade Compensation:
Patriots receive: OT Evan Neal and 2025 seventh-round pick
Giants receive: 2026 sixth-round pick (conditional 2026 sixth that escalates to a fourth if Neal signs an extension with the Patriots or is selected to a Pro Bowl/All Pro)
This low-risk move allows the Patriots to bring in a former top-10 pick for depth purposes, while the Giants offload a player who has not lived up to expectations. The conditions of the pick give the Patriots the flexibility to decide if he is a long-term answer or someone they allow to walk. If he is honored with a Pro Bowl, All Pro or signs an extension, a fourth-round pick is not a bad asset to give up for a starting tackle.
G Kenyon Green, Texans
Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick in 2022, has struggled to establish himself as a reliable interior offensive lineman for the Houston Texans. Injuries and inconsistent play have hampered his development, and with the Patriots’ connections to Texans general manager Nick Caserio, a deal could be made to bring him to New England.
Green, at just 23 years old, still has room to grow, and the Patriots might see him as a reclamation project who could benefit from a fresh start under a new coaching staff.
Projected Trade Compensation:
Patriots receive: G Kenyon Green
Texans receive: 2026 sixth-round pick (conditional to a fifth if Green plays 65 percent of offensive snaps)
If the Patriots can unlock Green’s potential, they could land a solid interior lineman for minimal draft capital, giving them flexibility on the offensive line. Although there are similar circumstances to the Neal trade, with Green being an interior lineman, it’s more about the Patriots finding depth or a swing guard they like than a franchise tackle, so the conditions are slightly different.
G Quenton Nelson, Colts
Quenton Nelson is one of the best guards in the NFL and widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer. The seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro has been a dominant force for the Indianapolis Colts, missing only four games in his career.
However, with the Colts entering a rebuild, they might be willing to part ways with Nelson in exchange for draft capital. The Colts could likely find a replacement-level guard in the draft or free agency and use the space and capital to build around Anthony Richardson.
Nelson is 28 years old with plenty of productive years ahead, and with two years remaining on his contract, he could provide immediate stability for the Patriots’ offensive line.
Projected Trade Compensation:
Patriots receive: G Quenton Nelson
Colts receive: 2025 third-round pick and 2026 fifth-round pick
Adding Nelson would immediately improve the Patriots’ offensive line and give them a premier player to build alongside David Andrews (or Cole Strange) and Mike Onwenu. While his cap hit is significant, the Patriots have the resources to absorb it and prioritize protecting their young quarterback.
