Trent Brown returns to New England, What Does That Mean.

The New England Patriots entered the 2021 offseason with Joe Thuney and David Andrews both heading to free agency. Both men are expected to cost the Patriots a fortune. The Patriots have a lot needs and it was expected that one or both could men be gone. 

The Patriots tagged Thuney in 2020 but cannot afford to do that again, and while the Patriots had an adequate backup in 2019, Andrews was sorely missed. 

At 5:44 am on Tuesday March 9th, Ian Rapaport released a statement saying that the New England Patriots had made a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for offensive tackle Trent Brown. 

Rapaport says the Patriots are getting Brown and a seventh in next years draft for a fifth round pick. The Patriots and Brown will also will enter contract talks to rework his contract.

Brown played for the Patriots in 2018 and was the best tackle in the NFL. Brown signed a massive contract with the Raiders but the Raiders clearly do not think they benefited from the contract and are trying to free up cap space. 

This move more than likely means the Patriots are moving on from Joe Thuney, and the mostly outcome will be having Brown take over as the starting left tackle. By doing so Isaiah Wynn would slide inside to guard.

Many thought that Onwenu would move to the left side. This trade would probably see a battle with Cannon unless the Patriots decide to cut Cannon. According to over the cap, Cannon is on the books for over $9 Million and the Patriots would save $2.5 Million of they decide to cut him. If I read that correctly.

Brown only played in five games in 2020. If the Patriots can get Brown to play at 2018 levels, than they have just fleeced the Raiders. This move suggests the Patriots are planning on bringing in a more statuesque passer. The Patriots have been linked to Jimmy Garoppolo and Mac Jones. Both quarterbacks would benefit from having Trent Brown. Then again so would the lesser tiered free agent pocket passers the Patriots have available to pick from.

Free agency starts on March 17th, just eight days from today. This move is certainly something that should draw attention from free agent pass catching prospects. This may be just the beginning for the Patriots, stay tuned for more, and be sure to check out my people over at Dear Patriots Nation. Ray, Conor, and Sara are bound to cover this tonight.