The New England Patriots have placed an original round RFA tender on offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Patriots acquired Eluemunor shortly before the start of the 2019 season, and the former Baltimore Raven played in 10 games for the Patriots. Eluemunor was a restricted free agent, but the Patriots clearly saw something they liked in the former fifth-round pick.
New England Patriots Place Original Round RFA Tender on Jermaine Eluemunor
The original round tender, for those unaware with the process, simply means that the Patriots have the Eluemunor’s rights for the 2020 NFL season. Opposing teams are allowed to negotiate with Eluemunor, but the Patriots have the right to match any potential offer. If the Patriots don’t match said offer, then they’d receive a draft pick in return for his services. Since Eluemunor was a fifth-round draft pick, the Patriots would theoretically receive a fifth-round pick in return. There are also first- and second-round tenders, but those come with a higher salary.
Eluemunor originally entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens, the Texas A&M product appeared in eight games as a rookie, making two starts. Elumunor appeared in nine games for Baltimore in 2018, making one start before shipping off to New England just before the 2019 season.
The Patriots acquired Eluemunor to serve as a depth piece along the offensive line. David Andrews suffered blood clots in his lungs, forcing him to miss the entirety of the season. This led to a domino effect where primary backup Ted Karras stepped into the starting spot. New England’s offensive line woes amplified when Isaiah Wynn landed on the short-term injured reserve following a Week 2 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
New England’s offensive line could be in a similar situation in 2020. Joe Thuney and Ted Karras are both set to hit free agency, and David Andrews is no safe to bet to return to his old form.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
