Like so many other players in the NFL, Riley Reiff admired the New England Patriots organization from afar when they were still dominating the AFC East division and winning Super Bowls.
Things have obviously changed with quarterback Tom Brady no longer being under center and the AFC East division being tougher than ever before. Yet, the history still remains, and legendary coach Bill Belichick, the architect of the greatest dynasty in NFL history, is still running the show.
For Reiff, it’ll be fun to see.
“Just seeing the ins and outs. They’ve won tons and tons of games over the years,” Reiff said, when asked what he’s looking forward to most. “Getting to meet the guys in the offensive line room in the locker room and just start forming a bond.”
Get to know the new OL.
Riley Reiff sits down with @Imtamarabrown. pic.twitter.com/8UJ02g802H
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 31, 2023
Reiff, 34, signed a one-year deal with the Patriots with $4.5 million guaranteed money, which means he won’t just be warming the bench in the 2023 season.
He could have a major role on the offensive front across from Trent Brown. The Patriots could still use their No. 14 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft to select a rookie offensive tackle as well.
But given the needs they have at wide receiver and cornerback, it’s more than likely that Reiff and Brown will be the two starters when the season rolls around.
Whether that’s enough or not remains to be seen.