What did the Patriots value in Veldheer that the Broncos did not?
May 7, 2019, 2:26 PM
Yet another member of the 2018 Denver Broncos roster has departed eastward to New England this offseason, as the Patriots reportedly signed free agent offensive tackle Jared Veldheer on Tuesday.
Last month, former wide receiver Demaryius Thomas signed with New England as well tight end Matt LaCosse in March, begging the question: What value does Belichick and the Patriots see in these aging veterans that the Broncos don’t?
In Veldheer’s case, at least, it makes sense to know where each team stands in terms of its offensive line depth.
As NESN Patriots beat writer Zack Cox points out, Veldheer adds much-needed veteran depth to New England’s offensive line.
Unofficially, the Patriots have 2018 first-round pick Isaiah Wynn penciled in at left tackle following Trent Brown’s exit to the Oakland Raiders. On the other side, Marcus Cannon returns in what’s likely the right tackle role.
New England drafted tackle Yodny Cajuste in the third round of this year’s draft and picked up a pair (Calvin Anderson and Tyree St. Louis) as college free agents and have Cole Croston, Dan Skipper and Cedrick Lang on the roster as well.
However, before acquiring Veldheer, only Cannon had started a game in the NFL (54) and was the only Patriots tackle to have played in three or more games.
The Broncos tackle group also skews young, with Garett Bolles, Ja’Wuan James and Elijah Wilkinson three or more years experience in the NFL.
However, at least for the time being, Denver has its bookends set with veterans, with Bolles on the left and James on the right.
And if Bolles should struggle, as he has in the past, the Broncos have options, including moving James to left tackle and turning not only Wilkinson but also versatile 2019 second-round draft pick Dalton Risner or 2018 sixth-round pick Sam Jones.
