The New England Patriots added offensive line depth with veteran James Hudson on Monday.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Patriots signed Hudson to a 1-year deal.
The 26-year-old has previously played for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
The Patriots are signing OL James Hudson to a 1-year deal, source said, as the former Giants OL will add depth,” wrote Rapoport on X.
Hudson has been in the NFL for five years. During the 2021 NFL Draft process, though, Hudson received praise for his athleticism and size.
“Raw but athletic with big, strong hands and the potential to get substantially better with additional technique and strength training,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “His 2020 tape is erratic, with highs and lows on any given snap.
“Hudson’s still very much in the developmental phase, but a high ceiling will likely push him up the draft board.”
The Browns drafted him at No. 110 overall in the fourth round in large part due to that high ceiling. In four years with the Browns, Hudson played in 49 games, starting 17 of them at tackle.
Hudson made two starts in 11 games for the Giants last season.
Patriots Sign Lineman James Hudson to 1-Year Deal: Report
The Patriots are returning both starting tackles from their AFC champion roster. But the team lost backup tackle Vederian Lowe to NFL free agency.
Hudson will seemingly have an opportunity to replace Lowe as New England’s swing tackle this fall.
Tackle depth could be more important in 2026 for the Patriots too. Starting right tackle Morgan Moses turned 35 at the beginning of March.
Hudson has starting experience, which is an ideal trait for a swing tackle. He has also split his snaps at both left and right tackle.
In the first two seasons of his career, Hudson primarily played right tackle. He lined up more at left tackle the past two seasons.
Hudson started a career-high seven games during the 2023 season. Although he’s never posted impressive grades at Pro Football Focus, in 2023, the Browns were good enough to win 11 games and earn a playoff spot.
The Browns went 6-1 during Hudson’s seven starts that season.
Hudson is coming off a season in which he played a career-low 85 offensive snaps. Of those snaps, 84 of them came at left tackle.
Hudson actually began the 2025 campaign as the Giants starting left tackle. But in Week 2, he committed four penalties in the span of six plays, leading to his benching.
He didn’t start another game for New York after that. The Giants released Hudson on March 6.
Patriots Expected to Draft Another Tackle This Spring
Hudson’s arrival gives the Patriots options ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite the Hudson signing, The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan still wrote on Monday the Patriots are expected to target a tackle in the draft. But with Hudson in the fold New England can be patient with that selection.
New England’s rookie tackle won’t have to play immediately. He also doesn’t have to be prepared to play left or right tackle since Hudson is versatile enough to line up in either spot.
One of the big questions the Patriots face going forward is whether Will Campbell will stay at left tackle.
Overall, Campbell had an impressive rookie season last fall. But the 22-year-old struggled in the postseason. Some pundits have speculated that he would be better suited to move to guard.
Patriots Sign ‘Athletic, Big’ Lineman for Additional Depth: Report