As the New England Patriots prepare to open training camp later this month, questions loom over the state of their offensive line heading into the 2026 NFL season. After fielding four different starting combinations along the line in 2025—a significant reduction from 11 the previous year—the Patriots face a mix of returning veterans and new faces in search of stability and consistency.
The unit's core includes left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, center Jared Wilson, right guard Mike Onwenu, and right tackle Morgan Moses. Onwenu was a consistent presence last season, playing a team-high 1,082 offensive snaps, accounting for 98.9 percent of the regular season. However, several players carry questions about health and durability.
Campbell, who struggled with a knee injury down the stretch and into the postseason last year, is approaching full recovery. “Getting back healthy, I did [physical therapy] five days a week the entire offseason,” Campbell said this spring. “Just trying to rebuild the strength in my knee to get it back to where it was previously.” His ability to hold up on the left edge against elite pass rushers remains a key concern for the Patriots’ coaching staff.
Moses, who turned 35 in March, missed mandatory minicamp due to an undisclosed health issue that sidelined him late in organized team activities. His availability and effectiveness on the right side could be decisive factors in the Patriots’ line performance this year.
Inside, Wilson transitions from left guard to center to replace Garrett Bradbury. Although Wilson showed comfort at center during spring practices, he has yet to experience game snaps at the position in the NFL. Vera-Tucker, slated to start at left guard, has dealt with injuries and has yet to complete a full 17-game season in his career, making his health another pivotal variable.
Rookies also enter the mix this season. First-round pick Caleb Lomu, who started primarily at left tackle during his two years at Utah, spent significant time working at right tackle during spring workouts in relief of Moses. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel praised Lomu’s adaptability and coachability, noting the rookie’s willingness to learn and athleticism. “He’s big, he’s athletic, and he’s willing to learn,” Vrabel said. Lomu also got reps at guard during the spring, providing the team with positional flexibility.
The Patriots carry hope that this combination can jell into a cohesive unit, similar to how last year’s group improved significantly by midseason despite early setbacks. Yet, broader questions remain: will Campbell’s recovery be sufficient for sustained high-level play? Can Moses contribute another season at right tackle? And how quickly will young players like Lomu and second-year lineman Dametrious Crownover adjust to the rigors of NFL competition?
Overall, if the unit stays healthy, it projects as a middle-tier offensive line compared to others in the league. The next several weeks of camp and preseason games will be crucial for the Patriots in identifying their best five linemen and devising a protection strategy capable of supporting a championship-caliber offense. The line’s performance will be a significant determinant of the team’s offensive success in 2026.