The New England Patriots will retain an unheralded contributor who helped fortify their offensive line late in the 2022 season.
Per the Boston Globe‘s Jim McBride, the Patriots reached an extension with Conor McDermott. After getting cut by the New York Jets, the offensive tackle started New England’s final six games.
Patriots followers are happy to see McDermott stick around.
“Stabilized the tackle position last year,” ABC6’s Ian Steele said.
“McDermott performed well considering the circumstances. He’ll provide solid depth,” MassLive’s Mark Daniels wrote. “Tackle is still the Patriots top priority IMO.”
“McDermott held up down the stretch when the team was in desperate need of a right tackle,” SportsMap Radio’s Bobby Krivitsky noted. “He provides valuable depth. And if next year’s starting RT can flip to LT, should the need to do so arise, he might be next up if either starter misses time.”
“Always good to have cost-controlled, veteran players for depth. McDermott filled in quite nicely this season, and should compete for a roster spot this summer,” Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity said.
“Bill Belichick on Conor McDermott in December: ‘Thank God we have him,'” Pats Chat’s Doug Kyed recalled.
A sixth-round pick in 2017, McDermott started six games throughout his career before joining New England. He spent most of 2022 shuttled back and forth from the Jets’ practice squad until signing with their AFC East foe.
McDermott helped replace injured right tackle Isaiah Wynn down the stretch. Wynn and Marcus Cannon are free agents, so the Patriots can still use some reinforcements in the trenches this offseason.