The New England Patriots need a starting left tackle, and it seems one might be available.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that Raiders tackle Kolton Miller is not participating in the voluntary offseason program because he is looking for a contract extension. However, the Las Vegas Raiders have “not engaged in contract talks with the former first-round pick.”
So with that, one member of the Patriots coaching staff is already familiar with the left tackle. Josh McDaniels saw first hand what Miller can bring to the table during his short stint as head coach of the Raiders. So, why not at least inquire?
A to Z Sports’ Justin Churchill provided some insight into why it’s unlikely he will get the extension with the Raiders:
“Miller dealt with a ton of injuries the last two years, and managed to play through most of it. While he had been extremely durable prior to 2023, it’s obvious that the NFL is starting to take a toll on his body. Last year, even during the small time he was healthy, he wasn’t great. Miller was top ten in the league in blown blocks with 40, the most on the team, too. This new regime hasn’t seen anything from him that would be telling enough to give him a contract. GM John Spytek said he wants to meet every individual first and really get to know them before handing out new deals. For now, it seems unlikely to happen, but what happens on draft night, if the trade hasn’t happened before then, could tell a lot about the future of Kolton Miller in silver and black,” Churchill wrote.
While that is concerning, the Patriots have a strong offensive coaching staff behind McDaniels that could truly help Miller get back to his best days.
And with this move, it would give the Patriots the opportunity to not have to draft for need in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Many expect New England to take a left tackle with the No. 4 overall pick, with the overall consensus being that they will draft LSU’s Will Campbell.
However, with all the concerns surrounding Campbell and whether he truly is a tackle or a guard, do the Patriots want to risk such an important pick on someone that might not fill the biggest need on the roster?
Bringing in Miller will allow them to still bring in a left tackle in the draft, but not with their first pick. And, that way they can look towards taking some other top talents.