Earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots were dealt a stunning blow with the departure of star left tackle Nate Solder, who signed with the New York Giants. Along with Solder, fellow Patriots tackles LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming also hit free agency. Luckily for New England, they were able to keep the latter.
From the NFL Media's Ian Rapoport:
Source: The Patriots keep an important free agent after all. They’ve agreed to terms with OT LaAdrian Waddle on a 1-year deal. Their potential LT.
As Rapoport notes, there's an inclination that Waddle will move across the line to left tackle to secure Tom Brady's blindside with Solder off to the Big Apple. Both Waddle and Fleming visited the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week.
The Patriots initially acquired Waddle as a waiver claim back in 2015. After playing in just three games combined in '15 and '16, he emerged as a crucial piece of New England's offensive line in 2017 when right tackle Marcus Cannon went down, starting four games while playing in 12. He performed admirably, not allowing a sack in the regular season while facing some of the best pass rushers the NFL has to offer.
With Cannon expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2018 season, it makes sense for Waddle to make the switch to left tackle. New England also brought in former Seattle Seahawks tackle Matt Tobin this offseason to fill out the position as they attempt to reach the Super Bowl for a third straight season as well as four times in five years.
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