The New England Patriots have bolstered their offensive line by re-signing center Ben Brown and tackle Demontrey Jacobs to one-year deals. Both players were exclusive rights free agents, allowing the Patriots to retain them by offering minimum-value contracts. Brown’s deal is valued at $1.3 million, while Jacobs’ is at $960,000. citeturn0search0
Ben Brown’s journey to the New England Patriots began in October 2024, when the team signed him off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. At the time, Brown’s arrival in New England was met with limited fanfare, as he was not a household name. However, by the end of the season, his impact would prove far more significant than many could have expected.
### Early Career and Raiders’ Practice Squad
Before joining the Patriots, Brown had spent his early NFL career with the Raiders, working primarily as a practice squad player. The 26-year-old offensive lineman’s time with the Raiders had been largely developmental. He was an undrafted free agent who had signed with the team following the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite his strong college career, Brown faced an uphill battle to make a permanent roster spot in the NFL, and he spent the majority of his time on the practice squad in Las Vegas.
A promising interior offensive lineman with the ability to play center and guard, Brown had a lot of upside but had yet to see meaningful playing time in the NFL. His stint on the practice squad was an opportunity to continue developing his skills and adapting to the fast pace of the professional game. As a result, when the Patriots called in October 2024, it was a chance for Brown to prove himself on a larger stage.
### Arrival in New England
Ben Brown’s signing by the Patriots came during a time when the team was experiencing significant struggles on the offensive line. Injuries had taken a toll on the depth, and the Patriots found themselves in need of reinforcements. Brown’s ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line made him an ideal candidate to step into a system that was struggling to maintain continuity.
At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Brown had the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. He had shown flashes of potential during his time at the University of Mississippi, and New England saw an opportunity to tap into that potential. Upon joining the Patriots, Brown was immediately inserted into the team’s line rotation, tasked with helping stabilize a position group in flux.
While it was a challenge for Brown to quickly integrate into a new system and mesh with unfamiliar teammates, he was determined to make the most of his opportunity. The Patriots, under head coach Bill Belichick, are known for their emphasis on versatility and adaptability on the offensive line, and Brown fit the mold perfectly.
### Performance and Impact in 2024
Ben Brown’s 2024 season with the Patriots was marked by his ability to quickly adapt and become a steady presence on the offensive line. Despite being thrust into the starting lineup, he was able to perform admirably in the limited time he had. By the end of the season, he had started 10 games for New England, showcasing his skill set and resilience.
Though Brown’s season wasn’t without its challenges, he demonstrated the kind of toughness and adaptability that has become synonymous with the Patriots’ offensive line. He often found himself matched up against some of the league’s top defensive players, and while there were growing pains, he held his own. His ability to step in and contribute as a starting center, despite being relatively new to the team, was a testament to his work ethic and football IQ.
### Strengths and Skill Set
Ben Brown’s versatility and athleticism are some of his standout qualities. Throughout his time at Ole Miss, he played across multiple positions on the offensive line, including both center and guard. This versatility is one of the key reasons the Patriots were drawn to him. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm and Belichick value players who can provide depth and flexibility, and Brown’s ability to move between positions made him an appealing option.
Brown’s strength lies in his ability to keep defenders at bay in the trenches. As a center, he was tasked with reading defenses, making quick decisions, and delivering accurate snaps to the quarterback. These responsibilities require a high level of mental sharpness, which Brown displayed consistently throughout his time with the Patriots.
Moreover, Brown is known for his solid technique and fundamental blocking. While he is not known for overpowering defenders with brute strength, he uses his smarts, balance, and hand placement to engage defenders effectively. As a result, he proved to be a dependable protector for the quarterback, providing steady play on the interior of the line.
### The Decision to Re-Sign Brown
The New England Patriots’ decision to re-sign Ben Brown to a one-year deal for the 2025 season came as no surprise given his performance in 2024. The offensive line, a position that has seen its fair share of struggles in recent years, was bolstered by his presence and consistency. His re-signing speaks to the Patriots’ commitment to stability and depth on the offensive line, a critical position group for the team’s success.
Though the Patriots still have areas to address on the offensive line, such as the tackle positions, keeping Brown around ensures that the team has a reliable interior presence moving forward. At 26 years old, Brown has plenty of time to continue developing and potentially carve out a long-term role with the team. The Patriots are hoping that his experience gained over the past season will allow him to continue contributing at a high level and perhaps even become a fixture on the starting line.
### Looking Forward
Ben Brown’s story is one of perseverance and opportunity. From being an undrafted free agent to signing with a new team midseason, he’s demonstrated that hard work and adaptability can help carve a path to success in the NFL. Now, with a fresh one-year deal under his belt, Brown has another chance to solidify his spot on the Patriots’ roster and potentially earn a long-term role with the team.
For the Patriots, keeping Brown around is a low-risk, high-reward move. At a time when the team is looking to improve its offensive line and re-establish a balanced attack, Brown provides a steadying influence and depth. The Patriots will continue to focus on developing their offensive line, and with Brown in the fold, they have another solid piece to work with in 2025.
Ultimately, Ben Brown’s 2024 season was a story of opportunity met with performance. He came in with little fanfare but showed that he could thrive under the Patriots’ system. His continued presence on the roster will be important as the team seeks to improve and make a run for the playoffs in the upcoming season.
As the offseason progresses, the Patriots’ front office will likely continue to evaluate the offensive line and look for additional ways to improve it. While Ben Brown may not be the flashiest player on the roster, he is a dependable and valuable piece who can help the team in ways that might not always be immediately visible. His presence in the 2025 season will be key as the Patriots look to build upon their progress and find continued success in the coming years.
**Ben Brown’s Impact**
Ben Brown, 26, joined the Patriots in October 2024 after being signed off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. Despite limited preparation time, he started in 10 games, showcasing his adaptability and proficiency in the center position. His performance was commendable, especially considering the circumstances under which he joined the team. citeturn0search0
**Demontrey Jacobs’ Contribution**
Demontrey Jacobs, a 25-year-old offensive tackle, was signed by the Patriots in November 2024. He contributed to the team’s depth on the offensive line, providing valuable support throughout the season. Jacobs’ re-signing ensures continuity and stability in the Patriots’ offensive line for the upcoming season. citeturn0search0
**Strategic Significance**
Re-signing Brown and Jacobs is a strategic move by the Patriots to maintain depth and experience on their offensive line. With 13 offensive linemen now under contract, the team is well-positioned to address any injuries or performance issues that may arise. This depth is crucial for protecting the quarterback and establishing a strong running game. citeturn0news9
**Financial Implications**
The financial impact of these signings is minimal, with Jacobs’ cap hit at $960,000 and Brown’s at $1.03 million, resulting in a net loss of $310,000 in cap space. Despite this, the Patriots remain significantly under the projected salary cap, allowing for further investments in other areas of the roster. citeturn0news9
**Offseason Priorities**
While the re-signings of Brown and Jacobs strengthen the offensive line depth, the Patriots’ primary offseason priority remains addressing their offensive tackle issues. The team is expected to explore options in free agency and the draft to enhance the tackle positions, aiming to provide better protection for the quarterback and improve the overall offensive performance. citeturn0news16
**Conclusion**
The re-signing of Ben Brown and Demontrey Jacobs reflects the Patriots’ commitment to maintaining a robust and experienced offensive line. These moves provide the team with valuable depth and flexibility as they prepare for the upcoming season. However, addressing the offensive tackle positions remains a critical focus to ensure the team’s success in the 2025 season.
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