New England Patriots Sign Veteran Guard Will Fries from Indianapolis Colts
The New England Patriots have officially announced the signing of veteran offensive guard Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The move, which comes just minutes ago, signals the Patriots’ intent to strengthen their offensive line for the upcoming NFL season.
Fries, 26, has spent the first four years of his career with the Colts, becoming a steady presence on their offensive line. Over the course of his tenure with the Colts, Fries played in 49 games, starting 22 of them. His versatility, durability, and solid technique have made him a valuable asset to Indianapolis. The Patriots’ decision to add Fries to their roster is indicative of their focus on reinforcing the offensive line and providing stability and depth in the trenches.
Will Fries entered the NFL as a 7th-round draft pick by the Colts in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Pennsylvania native was a reliable player during his time at Penn State, where he started for several seasons at right tackle before transitioning to guard in the professional ranks. Fries quickly adapted to his new role and earned a reputation for his ability to block with consistency and execute well in both the running and passing game.
Throughout his time with the Colts, Fries demonstrated impressive durability, appearing in nearly every game during his tenure. Despite not always being a full-time starter, his ability to step in as needed and provide quality performances in various roles earned him a great deal of respect within the organization.
In 2023, Fries started 13 games at right guard, showing growth and the potential to contribute at a high level. His ability to operate in the Colts’ zone-blocking scheme and his readiness to step in when injuries struck the line made him a vital piece of Indianapolis’ offensive front. His experience in both pass protection and run blocking will be invaluable as the Patriots look to revamp their own offensive line.
For the Patriots, the addition of Will Fries is part of a larger strategy to improve their offensive line, which was plagued by injuries and inconsistencies in recent seasons. With quarterback Mac Jones looking to take a leap in his development, the Patriots have been proactive in securing solid protection upfront.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has long emphasized the importance of the offensive line in his team’s success, understanding that strong offensive line play is critical to both the running game and pass protection. Adding Fries, a player with proven versatility and experience, will provide the team with greater flexibility in their line combinations and increase their depth across the board.
The Patriots already boast a solid core of linemen, including Pro Bowl tackle Trent Brown and center David Andrews, but they have been looking for additional talent and competition at guard. The signing of Fries adds an experienced and reliable player to the mix who can contribute immediately.
With the addition of Will Fries, the New England Patriots continue to bolster their roster as they look to build a more competitive team for the 2025 season. The move provides them with a veteran presence and depth on the offensive line, crucial for any successful NFL offense.
As training camp approaches, Fries will have the chance to compete for a starting role alongside other offensive linemen, and his versatility could prove to be a key asset as the Patriots prepare for what is shaping up to be an exciting season.
