Vrabel Signs Hudson: Patriots Gain, Browns Lose

0:00On March 24th, Mike Rabel, now the head coach of the New England Patriots, has brought in a familiar face from his time as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns. He signed offensive tackle James Hudson III to a one-year deal worth around $1.2 million. Hudson, a fourth-round picked by the Browns in 2021, spent four seasons there as a swing tackle starting 17 games. After leaving Cleveland as a free agent in 2025, Hudson joined the New York Giants on a two-year, $12 million contract. He started the season at left tackle, but quickly lost his spot following a rough performance in week two against the Dallas Cowboys, where he drew. Four penalties on a single drive, including two for unnecessary roughness and two fall starts. Browns fans barely noticed his departure back then, and many are now wishing the Patriots good luck with the move. Hudson's inconsistencies showed up in New York, too, leading to a benching and a shift to special teams for the rest of the year.

1:00During Rabel's 2024 stint in Cleveland, Hudson started three games at left tackle before a shoulder injury ended his season. The Patriots recently lost their own swing tackle in free agency, so Hudson could feel that reserve role in Foxboro. Meanwhile, the Browns still need more depth at offensive tackle, especially on the left side, leaving them to watch this reunion from afar.