The Patriots signed LT Will Campbell to protect QB Drake Maye in June 2025. But why are insiders still worried about the Pats' O-line this season?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Patriots have officially locked down a cornerstone of their future. On Sunday, the team inked first-round pick Will Campbell to his rookie contract, a massive four-year, $43.66 million fully guaranteed deal. The man tasked with protecting Drake Maye's blindside is set for the foreseeable future. However, even with the ink barely dry, whispers from Foxboro suggest the front office isn't quite ready to relax.
Reports indicate that the Patriots are 'quietly worried' about their left tackle situation, even after signing rookie Will Campbell.
Let's talk numbers, because they're significant. Campbell's four-year, $43.66 million contract is fully guaranteed and includes a hefty $28.39 million signing bonus. This isn't just a standard rookie deal; it's a statement of intent. The Patriots are betting big that the LSU product is the long-term answer at left tackle, a position of desperate need. For an organization rebuilding around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, securing his primary protector was priority number one this offseason. This signing officially puts a key pillar of the new-look offense in place.
So, with the franchise tackle signed, everything's solved, right? Not so fast. According to team insiders, the Patriots are 'quietly worried' about the depth behind Campbell. While his potential is immense, he's still a rookie who will face a steep learning curve against NFL edge rushers. With a demanding early-season schedule on the horizon, the question becomes: who steps up if Campbell struggles or gets injured? The current depth chart lacks proven veterans, forcing the team to consider bringing in more competition before training camp or scouring the waiver wire. The celebration of Campbell's signing is tempered by the reality that the offensive line is still very much a work in progress.
All eyes now shift to training camp to see how quickly Will Campbell can acclimate to the pro game. His development is arguably as crucial as Drake Maye's this season. The front office's next move will also be telling. Do they stand pat and trust their current depth, or do they bring in a veteran insurance policy? One thing is certain: the success of the 2025 Patriots season rests heavily on the shoulders of their brand new, handsomely paid left tackle.