Patriots Release OL Yodny Cajuste
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots waived veteran offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste on Thursday, thinning what many consider to be one of the team's biggest positions of need heading into the 2023 NFL Season.
Despite his impending entry into restricted free agency, Cajuste had received an original-round tender from the Pats in March, valued at one-year, $2.74 million. As a result of his release, New England will now clear that amount in cap space from their books for 2023.
Though he was a third-round selection (101 overall) in 2019, Cajuste was set to become a restricted free agent, due to his spending the entirety of his rookie season on the non-football injury list. He also missed the 2020 season after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He did not make his professional debut until 2021, appearing in seven games for the Pats and starting two of them.
Cajuste had been widely projected as a second-round choice in the 2019 draft. In fact, some had even touted him as having first-round talent. However, his injury history allowed him to fall to the Patriots at No. 101.
At his best, Cajuste has a wide frame, above-average initial quickness and good overall athletic ability. He's quick enough to get into position and strong enough to wall off defenders in the running game. Still, his tendency to give up the edge at times might indicate that he is better suited on the inside.
Cajuste’s on-field action primarily came at the tackle position last season. Through 10 games (with three starts) in 2022, the West Virginia product allowed 12 pressures and three sacks. Despite being overtaken on the depth chart by mid-season signee Conor McDermott, he was expected to compete for a spot on the Patriots depth chart at offensive tackle. Overall, he played in 17 games with New England, making five starts.
With Cajuste seemingly out of their plans for 2023, the Patriots will move forward with veterans McDermott, Trent Brown, Riley Reiff, Calvin Anderson, Andrew Stueber and potentially fourth-round 2023 Draft selection Sidy Sow on their depth chart at tackle. Former Pats' left tackle Isaiah Wynn -- who recently signed with the Miami Dolphins -- has been the most notable subtraction from a group soon-to-be officially under the direction of new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm.
The Patriots are scheduled to begin OTAs on Monday at Gillette Stadium.
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