Reiff is an 11-year veteran with 149 career starts at both tackle positions. Most recently, the 34-year-old started ten games for the Bears at right tackle last season, allowing three sacks and 18 total pressures on 293 pass-blocking snaps. Reiff has been a steady starter throughout his career with the Lions, Vikings, Bengals, and last season in Chicago.
Reiff’s addition comes on the heels of the Patriots signing developmental tackle Calvin Anderson, putting 2019 Yodny Cajuste on an original RFA contract, and re-signing vet Conor McDermott. Along with Trent Brown, the Pats are building their potential depth in anticipation of drafting a tackle in early April.
As for Reeve, he is best described as a solid and dependable professional who fits best on New England’s right side. Reiff’s calling cards are his physicality, strength in the running game, and balance and body control to pin against power forwards in pass protection. A former first-round pick who started three seasons at Iowa State, Reiff entered the league as a high prospect due to his technical refinement and has been for his entire career.
The veteran has been tested throughout his career with NFL-style competitiveness and a sound understanding of the intricacies of offensive lines (leverage, handedness, blocking spells, etc.).
With New England adding a rookie (Anderson) and a potential shortstop starter (Reeve) through free agency, the Patriots should remain in the market for cutting-edge offensive tackle talent while hopefully finding the long-term answer for at least one spot tackle in the draft.
The Patriots can now enter the April draft feeling better about their offensive tackle depth, which has been shaky during the 2022 season.