In the aftermath of the Patriots' tough Super Bowl LX loss to the Seahawks, much of the conversation has centered around the future of their starting left tackle, Will Campbell. His playoff performance, especially in the Super Bowl, left many questioning his role, sparking rumors of a potential move to guard-a position some believed suited him better when he was drafted. Adding fuel to the fire, there was speculation about the Patriots eyeing a free agent to take over Campbell's spot.
Despite Campbell's strong rookie season, his post-injury struggles have kept the rumor mill churning. But when Patriots' executive Eliot Wolf addressed the media at the NFL Combine, he put those rumors to rest.
Wolf was quick to dismiss any notion of the Patriots pursuing Rasheed Walker or making a position switch for Campbell in 2026. His comments reflect the team's unwavering support for Campbell and their confidence in his abilities.
"When he came back from that injury, I didn't see that same level of lower-body strength that you saw before the injury," Wolf explained. "Before that, I thought Will played really well all year.
I know everybody talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. He's really quick out of his sets, he's technically sound...again, he's 22 years old and we expect some improvement out of him as well."
Campbell's dip in performance was evident to fans, and considering his recent return from injury, it's understandable that he wasn't at his peak. But this doesn't mean the Patriots should rush to change his position or find a replacement. Such decisions are monumental and irreversible.
With the right offseason training and guidance from veteran teammates, Campbell is poised for a stronger sophomore season. The Patriots' confidence in him is clear, and based on his potential and past performance, there's every reason to believe in their decision.