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2022 NFL free agency: How will the Patriots replace departed guards Shaq Mason and Ted Karras?

The New England Patriots’ interior offensive line was a bastion of stability between 2016 and 2020. Center David Andrews and guards Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason were the undisputed top options for most of that five-year stretch, and helped the team win two Super Bowls.

Even after Thuney’s departure in free agency last year, the group appeared set. Andrews and Mason were under contract through 2024 and 2023, respectively, with youngster Michael Onwenu set to take over Thuney’s spot at left guard.

Now, however, the group is facing some major questions. Onwenu lost his starting role four games into the 2021 season; his replacement, Ted Karras, left the Patriots to join the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year deal earlier this week.