Will Patrick be a starter?
The Cincinnati Bengals inked Lucas Patrick, a 31-year-old guard, to a $2.1 million deal Friday afternoon, helping aid their offensive line depth after losing Alex Cappa.
The Bengals released Cappa, who was the team’s starting right guard last season. Cappa had a very disappointing 2024 campaign for the Bengals and was ready for a chance of scenery.
They’ll likely look to the draft to replace some of that production for the long-term future as well, but Patrick could be more of an immediate answer should the Bengals need him, especially as Cincinnati should focus on its defense in the first few days of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The good news is, based on the relatively small deal and Patrick’s comments, it sounds like a starting spot is not being handed to him like some feared.
“Come in and compete. See how things shake out. I know there’s still a draft, and they’re probably filling out some more spots. But I’m just fired up to be a Bengal and work with the staff and the players who are here. There are some pretty elite players who will be exciting to be teammates with from what I’ve seen from a far,” Patrick said via Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson.
Patrick spent last season with the New Orleans Saints, starting 10 games. He’s been a consistent starter for the last five seasons, having originally commenced his career with the Green Bay Packers.
There’s going to be a spot for Patrick to both help along the line, having started as a center and guard during his career, so if nothing else, he gives Cincinnati depth at three different spots along the offensive line.
With the tackle positions shored up, having a versatile player like Patrick should only aid the protection of Joe Burrow.
