After Super Bowl Run, Patriots Eye Offensive Line Upgrades - With Left Guard a Top Priority
The New England Patriots put together a remarkable 2025 campaign, punching their ticket to the Super Bowl in a season that exceeded expectations. But their run came to a halt in Las Vegas, where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13. It was a tough ending to an otherwise promising year, and now the focus shifts to how they take that next step - from Super Bowl participant to Super Bowl champion.
And if there’s one area that stands out as a must-fix heading into 2026, it’s the offensive line - particularly the left guard spot.
Shuffling the Interior: Jared Wilson’s Future at Center
Rookie Jared Wilson showed flashes in his debut season, holding his own in several key moments. But the consensus inside the building seems to be that Wilson’s long-term home is at center, not guard. That shift would mean the Patriots need to find a new answer at left guard - and it needs to be someone who can step in and stabilize the interior immediately.
Ben Brown filled in when Wilson was sidelined, and while he provided solid depth, New England may not view him as the long-term solution at the position. They could look to the draft, but given where this team is in its competitive window, adding a proven veteran in free agency might be the smarter play. A seasoned presence next to young left tackle Will Campbell and the transitioning Wilson could go a long way in solidifying the line.
Two names stand out as potential targets when the free agency window opens.
Kevin Zeitler: Veteran Leadership, But Is He the Right Fit?
If experience is what you’re looking for, Kevin Zeitler brings it in spades. The 14-year vet has been a model of consistency throughout his career, and even at 35, he’s still playing at a respectable level. For a Patriots team looking to mentor young linemen and keep the pocket clean for their quarterback, Zeitler checks a lot of boxes.
He’s played for multiple teams and logged plenty of playoff snaps - the kind of resume that carries weight in a locker room. His presence would be especially valuable for Campbell and Wilson, both still early in their NFL journeys.
But there are a couple of caveats.
First, Zeitler has spent the bulk of his career at right guard. He did log a season at left guard with the Ravens, but it’s not his natural side.
If he’s unwilling to make that switch full-time, the fit becomes less clean. And second, there’s the age factor.
At 35, Zeitler is more of a short-term solution than a long-term cornerstone. That doesn’t mean he can’t help - he absolutely can - but New England would need to be realistic about the window they’re working with if they bring him in.
If the Patriots are comfortable with a stopgap move and Zeitler is open to playing on the left, this could be a savvy addition.
David Edwards: Division Rival, Long-Term Upside
Then there’s David Edwards - a name Patriots fans might recognize from his time with the Buffalo Bills. At 28, Edwards brings a compelling mix of experience and youth.
He’s been a steady presence on the interior, with the added bonus of having played in plenty of big games. That includes starting for the Rams during their Super Bowl-winning 2021 season.
Unlike Zeitler, Edwards has logged more time at left guard than right, which makes him a more natural fit for the Patriots' current need. He’d slide in next to Campbell without much adjustment, and his playoff pedigree adds another layer of value to a team that plans to be playing deep into January again.
There is, however, a price tag to consider. Edwards is younger, more versatile, and has fewer miles on the tires - all things that could drive up his market value. If the bidding gets too high, New England might pivot to a more cost-effective option and allocate their cap space elsewhere.
What Comes Next?
The Patriots aren’t in rebuild mode - they’re in reload mode. After a Super Bowl appearance, the expectations are sky-high, and every roster move will be scrutinized through the lens of “Can this help us get back?” Fixing the left guard spot is one of the first big decisions on the offseason checklist.
Whether they opt for a proven veteran like Zeitler or a younger, more long-term piece like Edwards, one thing is clear: the offensive line needs reinforcements. And if New England gets this move right, it could be the difference between another deep playoff run and watching the big game from home next February.