The New England Patriots' Super Bowl LX loss to the Seahawks wasn’t just about the scoreboard-it was about protection, or lack thereof. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was sacked six times, and while the spotlight often shines on the quarterback in moments like these, the real story was unfolding up front. The offensive line simply couldn’t hold the line, and it’s a problem that didn’t just appear in the Super Bowl-it lingered throughout the playoffs.
Now, with the offseason in full swing, the Patriots are staring at a critical decision in the trenches. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has floated a potential solution in his latest mock draft: Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanacho, projected to go to New England with the 31st overall pick.
It’s a move that makes a lot of sense on paper. Morgan Moses, who was brought in last offseason on a three-year, $24 million deal, delivered a solid first campaign under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
But Moses is entering the twilight of his career, and the Patriots have to start thinking about the long-term answer at right tackle. Iheanacho could be that guy.
At 6'6" and north of 300 pounds, Iheanacho brings a rare combination of power and athleticism. He’s not just a mauler-he moves well in space and shows a technical polish that’s often overlooked. That’s the kind of profile that fits perfectly in a Patriots offense looking to protect a young quarterback and establish a more consistent run game.
Financially, the Patriots have some flexibility. Moses is set to count $10 million against the cap this upcoming season, but there’s a potential out.
Releasing him before June 1 would save $3 million, and cutting ties after June 1 bumps that number to $4.5 million. It’s a decision that hinges not just on dollars, but on whether the team believes Iheanacho-or any rookie-can step in and contribute right away.
That’s where things get tricky. New England already has two young starters on the line in left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson.
Adding another inexperienced player to the mix could shake up the chemistry that’s still developing up front. Offensive line play is about more than individual talent-it’s about cohesion, timing, and trust.
Throwing another rookie into that equation could slow the unit’s overall growth, at least in the short term.
But this is also about protecting your franchise quarterback. Maye showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, but he can’t unlock his full potential if he’s constantly under siege. Investing in a high-upside tackle like Iheanacho might come with some growing pains, but it could also be the move that solidifies the line for years to come.
The Patriots have a lot of decisions to make this offseason, but few are more important than what they do at right tackle. Whether they roll with the veteran Moses for another year or start grooming his successor, one thing’s clear: protecting Drake Maye has to be priority number one.