The Patriots have a laundry list of roster needs in free agency, but when it comes to their top priority, it’s not even a debate.

The team needs to fix their tackle situation.

That has been the case dating back to three offseasons, but this time, the Patriots need to get it right. In 2024, Patriots quarterbacks were sacked 52 times. That was the most in New England since 1999 and the sixth most in franchise history.

Sack numbers in New England have grown steadily over the last three seasons – 41 (2022), 48 (2023), and 52 (2024). The reason is they lack adequate tackles. Last year’s starters, Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs, graded poorly. Pro Football Focus ranked Jacobs 81 out of 81 tackles. Lowe finished ranked 69 out of 81.

Protecting Drake Maye is the priority and if the Patriots only accomplish one thing this offseason, it must be finding him better tackles. That’s why the team should sign one of these five free agents:

Ronnie Stanley

Stanley would immediately fill the Patriots top need of the offseason. The 30-year-old left tackle is coming off a Pro Bowl season. He’s the best tackle available in the open market. Stanley was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 but dealt with injuries the next three seasons, playing in six games in 2020 and one in 2021. He missed nine games in 2022 and 2023. Stanley rebounded last season and will earn a massive payday for it.

Alaric Jackson

If the Patriots are looking for a starting left tackle in his prime, Jackson is the best option. Undrafted in 2021, he started at left tackle and right guard in 2022 for Los Angeles. The next season, Jackson became the Rams starting left tackle. Pro Football Focus ranked him 18 out of 141 tackles last season. The 26-year-old was suspended two games last year for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Cam Robinson

If the Patriots are looking for a capable veteran left tackle, Robinson would fit the bill. The 29-year-old has started 101 out of 101 games played in the NFL. He’s played 6,053 offensive snaps at left tackle to go with two snaps at left guard and 50 at tight end eligible. Robinson also has a connection with new Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone. Marrone drafted Robinson in the second round in his first season as Jaguars head coach in 2017.

Dan Moore

If the Patriots want a left tackle in his prime, Moore is another option. A fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2021, he started instantly for the Steelers. Moore, 26, has started all 66 games played in the NFL. He’s also durable. Moore has missed just two games over the last four seasons played. However, he did have some struggles this season, allowing a league-high 12 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. For example, Demontrey Jacobs led the Patriots in sacks allowed with nine.

Jedrick Wills Jr.

Drafted No. 10 overall in 2020, Willis didn’t live up to expectations in Cleveland. It seems like a change of scenery would be best. He was a full-time starter at left tackle from 2020-2022. An MCL injury in 2023 changed that. Willis wasn’t the same last year and was benched, starting four games in 2024. He crossed paths with Vrabel as well.