Andrew Rupcich

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Patriots' $1.1M deal for Andrew Rupcich earns a D+ CVI, representing a slight overpay for what appears to be a developmental offensive tackle signing. While the financial commitment is minimal in NFL terms, even replacement-level offensive line depth typically commands closer to league minimum ($750K-$900K), making this contract about 20-30% above market rate for an unproven player. The unknown performance metrics suggest Rupcich hasn't established himself as a reliable contributor, which makes any premium over minimum wage questionable for a team that needs to maximize every roster spot and salary dollar. The relatively modest total value does limit downside risk, but New England could have likely secured similar or better offensive tackle depth through the draft or practice squad elevations at a lower cost. This feels like a case where the Patriots paid a small premium to secure a specific developmental target, but the D+ CVI reflects that even low-stakes signings should provide better value alignment between production and compensation.

Performance Analysis

Andrew Rupcich is a below-average offensive lineman who sits firmly at the margins of NFL roster viability, offering organizational depth at guard rather than any genuine starting upside. His profile carries almost nothing to hang a featured role on — appearing in just 3 games across what is now a four-year career, he has not demonstrated the kind of sustained on-field production that moves the needle at any level of evaluation. The D+ performance grade reflects exactly that reality: a player who has been in NFL buildings long enough to understand the system but has yet to carve out meaningful playing time or establish himself as a reliable contributor. Rupcich was released by Tennessee before landing on New England's practice squad, and while the Patriots' willingness to claim him signals that some organizational talent evaluators see functional NFL-level traits, the media framing around the signing has been clear — this is roster shuffling, not a significant addition. At 27, the developmental window that might have once justified patience is narrowing fast, and with the Patriots sitting at 14-3 and operating as a legitimate AFC contender heading into a regular season still 135 days away, there is no runway for a practice squad lineman to grow into a meaningful role here. Unless injuries force the issue, Rupcich's ceiling in New England looks like practice squad retention — a name on the depth chart rather than a piece of the puzzle.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk practice squad depth add with minimal immediate impact on the Patriots' roster. Headlines confirm this as a practice squad signing alongside Sebastian Gutierrez, drawing minimal media attention. Rupcich's All-American pedigree at C-SC signals developmental upside, though small-school production rarely translates. Fans are largely indifferent, with most attention focused on New England's broader 2026 rebuild. Rupcich projects as a long-shot developmental lineman unlikely to crack the 53-man roster anytime soon.