Patriots Rumors: Ex-Broncos OT Jared Veldheer to Sign 1-Year, $6.5M Contract

The New England Patriots are "planning to sign free agent offensive tackle Jared Veldheer later this week," according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.

Per that report, Veldeer, who has previously played for the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, "visited New England last week and the two sides are in a good place with numbers."

Pelissero added the deal is expected to be for one year and $6.5 million, and will "get done after the deadline for counting toward compensatory picks, which the Patriots love."

Veldheer, 31, started 12 games for the Broncos in the 2018 season, earning a grade of 62.4 from Pro Football Focus, 58th amongst tackles.

New England will be Veldheer's fourth team, as he's also appeared for the Raiders (2010-13, 48 starts), the Cardinals (2014-17, 53 starts) and the Broncos. He'll give the Patriots solid depth at both right and left tackle, as he's played both roles in his career.

He can also play guard in a pinch, though it's likely the Patriots are bringing him aboard for tackle depth. Isaiah Wynn is projected to be New England's starting left tackle in 2019, with Marcus Cannon the frontrunner to start on the right side.

Veldheer and rookie Yodny Cajuste will be given the chance to earn the backup spots behind them.