In the closing chapter of his rookie season, New England Patriots' left tackle Will Campbell faced a baptism by fire in a 29-13 Super Bowl defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Campbell, the No. 4 pick from the 2025 NFL Draft out of LSU, was under immense pressure, allowing 14 pressures and one of the five sacks that contributed to the Patriots' tough loss. Starting in 13 games this past season, Campbell showed promise but also areas for growth.
As the Patriots head into the offseason, they're exploring options to bolster their offensive line. According to Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom, New England is considering a move that could involve shifting Campbell to right tackle.
This comes amidst speculation about pursuing Green Bay Packers’ left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency. An anonymous general manager suggested Walker, who could command a contract around $25 million per year, as a potential target.
Head coach Mike Vrabel, however, expressed confidence in Campbell's development. During a press conference on February 10, Vrabel emphasized his belief in Campbell's future as the team's left tackle. "Will is 22 years old, he's our left tackle, he'll get better, he'll get stronger," Vrabel stated, highlighting both Campbell's strong moments and areas needing improvement.
While Vrabel's commitment to Campbell is clear, the situation remains fluid. Walker, a 2022 seventh-round pick who has started 48 of his 52 games, presents an intriguing option for the Patriots. His potential addition could provide New England with a seasoned presence on the line, allowing them flexibility in their approach with Campbell.
As the offseason unfolds, the Patriots' decisions regarding their offensive line will be pivotal. Whether they stick with Campbell on the blindside or pursue a seasoned veteran like Walker, the moves they make will shape their strategy for the upcoming season.