We are still more than two weeks from the opening of the NFL’s league year, but the combine is upon us, which means, inevitably, that the chatter will be ripe. With the New England Patriots coming off a Super Bowl appearance, sitting on a sizable amount of cap space and facing questions about left tackle Will Campbell–the No. 4 pick in last year’s draft–there is buzz around this team’s intentions.

Campbell is one of the focal points. His struggles throughout the playoffs, and especially in the Super Bowl when he and fellow left-side rookie Jared Wilson were targeted by the Seahawks‘ edge rushers, caused many to question whether he would be in line for a move to guard (with Wilson ending up at center.) Coach Mike Vrabel was emphatic in saying that he was sticking with Campbell as the left tackle.

But according to longtime NFL insider Jason LaCanfora, the Patriots may actually have other plans: Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker, a free agent next month.

Patriots a ‘Potential Suitor’ for Rasheed Walker

Writing now for Sports Boom, LaCanfora cited front-office sources saying that the Patriots were in play for Walker, considered the best left tackle in a limited market.

LaCanfora wrote: “Another GM noted the Patriots, off a surprising Super Bowl run, as a potential suitor for Walker as well, with rookie Will Campbell struggling in the second half of his rookie season and perhaps being a better fit on the right side.”

LaCanfora said the GM acknowledged that Vrabel said Campbell would stay at left tackle, but the GM added, “What did you expect him to say?”

Which makes some sense, but if there is one thing that can be said unquestionably about Vrabel this season, it’s that he has been up-front with his players. If he planned to move Campbell, it’s likely he would have been noncommittal when asked the question.

Will Campbell Had a Knee Injury

Certainly, there is reason for the Patriots to be concerned about Campbell, but in fairness to him, he had a knee injury in Week 12 and probably hurried himself back onto the field. He was not the same after that injury–though, it could also be said that the Patriots’ competition got stiffer. It’s hard to say if Campbell struggled because he was hurt, because he was overwhelmed, or some combination of both.

But the bigger issue is whether the Patriots really think Walker would be the solution. He’s a former seventh round pick in 2022 who has been an average player on the line, at best. Walker was graded out with a 63.0 by Pro Football Focus, which rates him No. 53 out of 84 NFL tackles.

Campbell was graded at 66.3, No. 42 in the NFL. PFF grades are not perfect, of course, but the idea that Walker is a significant upgrade over Campbell is a stretch.

Patriots Would Have to Pay Out Around $25 Million Per Year for Will Campbell Replacement

And then there’s the payout that Patriots would have to make. LaCanfora cites an executive pegging Walker’s payday at $25 million per year, which is obviously hefty. That would soak up a considerable chunk of New England’s cap space.

Spotrac projects Walker with a market value of $81 million over four years. That’s obviously less than $25 million per year, but the executive pointed out that a number of teams need polished left tackles, and there just aren’t many available.

The Patriots do have Morgan Moses on the books, too, at right tackle. It’s likely that 2026 will be his last year with the team, but it seems too early to give up on the bookends of Moses and Campbell at tackle.