Patriots OL Isaiah Wynn: ‘Free' of New England?
Has offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn offered an impetuous farewell to the New England Patriots?
Having recently completed his fifth season in New England —after the team exercised the option in his contract last spring. — the 27-year-old is headed for unrestricted free agency. Based on his recent activity on social media, the ex-Georgia Bulldog seems to be a lock to continue his football journey elsewhere in 2023.
In a rare Twitter appearance on Wednesday, Wynn posted a cryptic message which many assume to be related to his future plans in the NFL. The message conveniently happened to be shared exactly one week before the commencement of the NFL free agency period on March 15, the start of the league year.
If Wynn’s 2022 campaign proves to be his final with the Patriots, it will be forever cloaked in disappointment. He went from a solid starting left tackle to a liability at right tackle after a surprising positional switch during training camp. A foot injury, which limited him to nine games, led to a season-ending injured reserve designation. He finished the season having allowed 17 pressures and four sacks, while committing eight penalties.
Based on his substandard performance, one might me inclined to think that Wynn might enter free agency with a touch of caution, or even humility.
Once again, all evidence to the contrary.
If Wynn is hoping to find greener (meaning, more lucrative) pastures outside of New England in 2023 and beyond, he must address some of the on-field struggles which caused him notable difficulty throughout his Patriots tenure. At times, he had problems with his initial push out of his stance. He also surrendered his edge more often than not. Despite showing flashes of being an aggressive pass protector, Wynn was a bit slower when positioning himself on schemed pressures.
In all fairness, he is more than capable of righting the ship. However, he must return to his ‘strike first’ approach to protecting the run, as well as stopping pass rushers before they hit their stride.
Most importantly, Wynn must prove that he can stay healthy — a trail which has eluded him for the majority of his pro career. He has struggled mightily with injuries throughout his five years with the Patriots. In addition to missing the entirety of his rookie season with a torn ACL, he has spent significant time on injured reserve. In addition to his season-ending stint in 2022, he also was afforded the designation for a toe injury in 2019, and a knee injury in 2020.
During the 2021 season, Wynn enjoyed better health, missing only one game while on COVID-19/Reserve. Unfortunately, injury would once again strike during New England’s season-finale against the Miami Dolphins. Wynn exited the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. The same injury would keep him from suiting up for the Patriots’ lone playoff appearance, a 47-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
If he can return to form, Wynn has the necessary quickness and strength to win battles when going one-on-one against edge rushers, as well as creating openings for the running game. Though he still has the talent to be an effective tackle.
However, a return to New England seems unlikely, at best.
Judging by his self-professed $5 million negotiation fee, he may find a scarce supply of suitors on his journey into ‘freedom.’
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