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New Orleans Saints sign important security blanket to help Derek Carr significantly

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 5/12/24

The New Orleans Saints took big steps towards improving their offensive line this offseason when they drafted offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State) in round one and Josiah Ezirim (Eastern Kentucky) in round seven of the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, even after those draft picks were made the interior of the offensive line clearly still had some issues. Cesar Ruiz may have been a first round pick four years ago, but he's struggled in pass protection at times, allowing nearly a half dozen sacks last year. New free agent signing Olisaemeka Udoh should be a decent short-term option at guard, but he hasn't started a full season since 2021.

The good news is that general manager Mickey Loomis is bringing in some much-needed help to provide depth for all three interior offensive line spots, and perhaps push for a starting spot if either guard falters.

Lucas Patrick and his fit with the Saints

Sources tell A to Z Sports that the Saints are signing former Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears interior offensive lineman Lucas Patrick on a one-year deal for the veteran salary benefit around $1.2 million dollars. The Saints view the soon-to-be 31 year old as an instant security blanket and added veteran competition for both guard positions and center.

Patrick should definitely help protect Derek Carr this season and keep the offense on schedule even if an injury occurs up front. If you'd like a preview of the nastiness Patrick can bring to the Saints, just check out this breakdown in the post below.

Lucas Patrick probably won’t make a pro bowl. But he brings a nastiness to the Bears O line that they’ve lacked since Kyle Long left town. pic.twitter.com/5ONTWbXZ5Q
— illwill (@79illwill) March 16, 2022

Lucas Patrick (a Brentwood, TN native) originally went undrafted after playing four years at Duke University, but once in the NFL he quickly earned his way into significant snaps with the Green Bay Packers. At first, he was primarily a swing interior offensive lineman, filling in at left guard, center, and right guard as needed. But by his fourth season he had earned the starting role at right guard.

For the past two seasons he's been playing all three interior offensive line positions for the Chicago Bears, most recently at center in 2023, where he played nearly 1000 snaps. He should be an incredibly important addition to the Saints' offensive line, likely playing at both guard positions and even center if necessary. Patrick's added depth and 96 career games of experience should go a long way in ensuring that Derek Carr is protected for the duration of the 2024 NFL season.

Be looking for more New Orleans Saints coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to watch some Lucas Patrick highlights to see how he could be the perfect fit on the interior offensive line for the Saints you can check out the video below.