It looked like the protection around New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones for next season was starting to crumble.
They lost Ted Karras to the Cincinnati Bengals and Shaq Mason to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But while the Patriots lost two offensive linemen, they retained a vital player in the trenches, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared.
It’s a two-year deal for Trent Brown, who lands back in New England. A major OL move for the #Patriots. https://t.co/yKjZmWBb67
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2022
Rapoport said, “It’s a two-year deal for Trent Brown, who lands back in New England. A major OL move for the #Patriots.”
He quoted his own tweet which said, “#Patriots OT Trent Brown has agreed to terms with… the #Patriots. A plot twist, as Brown ends up back where he began.”
While terms of the deal are not yet known, this development is great news for a team that puts a premium on protecting their quarterback.
There was a possibility that three of the five starters on the Patriots’ offensive line would be gone for the 2022 season.
Aside from Karras and Mason, Brown also met the Seattle Seahawks before ultimately returning to New England
His presence stabilizes their pocket around Jones as he will likely start at right tackle.
Meanwhile, Michael Onwenu will possibly slide to one of the guard positions.
David Andrews, Yasir Durant, and Isaiah Wynn will probably be the other three starters.
Giving Jones Ample Protection
A quarterback can only do so much if he has people who can prevent the pressure from coming.
That said, Jones was able to lead the Patriots to the playoffs, despite the depressing defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
They wouldn’t reach that point if Jones didn’t have enough time to make plays.
It will only happen if the guys up front remained consistent, which they did.
NEXT: Patriots Seeking A Reunion With A Super Bowl Hero