Patriots Release Yodny Cajuste: What It Means For OL?
The New England Patriots made a somewhat surprising move on Thursday, releasing reserve offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste. It isn't only a shock because the Patriots are giving up on the former 2019 third-round pick, but also because offensive tackle still stands as a need heading into the meat of the offseason.
The Patriots retained their rights to Cajuste by using their restricted free-agent tender on him this offseason. Yet, it seems they have had second thoughts on the former West Virginia offensive tackle. So, with Cajuste on the free market following four seasons in Foxboro, what does his release mean for the rest of the offensive line?
The most likely answer is new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm already has a good idea of his best starting five. I know they haven't gotten to the point of the offseason where the pads come on, but he has seen them on the field and in the film room reviewing the tape of last season.
Assuming that not spending a premium pick on a left tackle suggests that Trent Brown is still the penciled-in starter at left tackle, then the Patriots are left with Conor McDermott as the only returning option to play at right tackle. However, New England did add veterans in Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson via free agency. This does not mention the potential for the Patriots to move offensive guard Michael Onwenu back to tackle or even one of the rookies they just drafted.
Anything is possible for the Patriots right now, as there doesn't seem to be a clear answer for what they are going to do at the bookends of their offensive line. No starting job is safe at offensive tackle after last season, where mostly everyone who played at the two positions struggled at one point or another.
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