The Rams’ offensive line has taken some hits lately, prompting the signing of McDermott. The veteran lineman appeared in six games for the Patriots last season, making five starts, and split time between the Jets and Patriots in 2022. McDermott earned a PFF blocking grade of 67.8 last season while playing exclusively at left tackle; he can serve as a bookend tackle at either side for the Rams, who could run him with the starters sooner than later in camp.

McDermott signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract last offseason but was released in September before being re-signed to the team’s practice squad. He would eventually be signed to the active roster and wound up appearing in six games while making five starts. A seven-year veteran of the league, McDermott has spent most of his career as a backup but has made 17 starts over that span. He’s spent his entire career in the AFC East, splitting time with the Bills, Jets, and Patriots. Now a free agent at 31 years old, it’s possible McDermott latches on with another team before camp.

McDermott, who started the final six games of the 2022 season at right tackle, now has more incentive-based earnings in his deal with the Patriots. The team signed McDermott in November to replace Isaiah Wynn, who landed in Bill Belichick's doghouse. New England's offensive line was graded by Pro Football Focus as the 12th best pass-blocking unit and the 20th best run-blocking unit in 2022. 

He'll likely replace Isaiah Wynn, who hurt his foot last week, on the active roster. McDermott has never had more than 247 offensive snaps in the season and will probably back up Trent Brown unless Bill Belichick was really serious about benching Brown. McDermott played 76 snaps for the Jets this year and was on their practice squad.