The New England Patriots are feeling quite good about themselves in the wake of their big Week 16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. For backup offensive lineman Ben Brown, things somehow managed to get even sweeter for him on Tuesday ahead of the holidays.
After getting scooped up off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad last season, Brown came in a started 10 games at center for the Pats in 2024. This season, he’s operated as the team’s top backup interior lineman, filling several different roles for first-year head coach Mike Vrabel.
Brown’s contributions have largely flown under the radar this season, but the front office took note of his play, as they handed him a two-year, $6 million contract extension earlier this week. Considering all the bouncing around Brown has done to begin his NFL career, it’s clear that this is a major development for him.
“It means everything,” Brown said of his new contract. “Coming here last year off of the Raiders practice squad was such an unbelievable experience … I love everything about New England. I love everything about the Patriots … I’m so grateful to get this done and to be here.”
Vrabel has often preached that it takes all 53 guys on the team’s roster to go 1-0 every week, and Brown has personified that throughout the year. He can fill in at several different spots in a pinch, and with Jared Wilson in the concussion protocol, he may draw the start at left guard in Week 17 against the New York Jets.
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Brown may not be the most important player on New England’s roster, but he’s a valuable interior offensive lineman who has proven his worth time and again this season. The Patriots will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET when they square off against the Jets.
