Reiff is an 11-year veteran who has made 149 career starts in both tackle spots. Most recently, the 34-year-old started ten games last season for the Bears with good tackle, allowing three sacks and 18 total pressures on 293 pass-blocking snaps. Reiff has been a regular starter throughout his career with the Lions, Vikings, Bengals and last season at Chicago.
Adding Reiff comes on the heels of the Patriots reportedly signing development tackle Calvin Anderson, recommending 2019 third-rounder Yodny Cajuste to an original RFA contract and re-signing vet Conor McDermott. Along with Trent Brown, the Pats may be building their depth ahead of drafting a tackle in early April.
As for Reiff, he can best be described as a solid and reliable professional who is the best fit for New England’s good side. Reiff’s calling cards are his physicality, strength in the running game and balance and body control to anchor against power rushers in pass protection. A former first-round pick who started three seasons in Iowa, Reiff entered the league as a prospect in the upper floors due to his technical sophistication and has been just that throughout his career.
The veteran has been challenged throughout his career with NFL-style competitiveness and an understanding of the intricacies of the offensive line (leverage, hand use, blocking attacks, etc.).
With New England adding advantage (Anderson) and a potential near-term starter (Reiff) via free agency, the Patriots should still be in the market for high-end talent at offensive tackle while hopefully finding a long-term answer for at least least one tackle spot in the draft.
The Patriots can now go into the April draft with a better sense of their offensive depth, which was shaky during the 2022 season.