The Patriots are expected to pursue this top free-agent offensive tackle

First-year New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has his work cut out for him in replacing Bill Belichick.

While finding a new quarterback is at the top of his to-do list, Mayo also needs to find his new franchise signal caller some blockers as both of New England’s starting offensive tackles — Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu — will be free agents in a few days.

With nearly $95.5M in cap space, the Patriots have the available funds to pursue some of the top free-agent offensive linemen like Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, who New England is expected to make a run at per MassLive’s Mark Daniels.

“The Patriots would like to find a starting-caliber tackle in free agency,” Daniels wrote . “One name to watch is Tyron Smith. … The 33-year-old would provide a short-term solution at left tackle and the Patriots are expected to pursue Smith when free agency opens. This isn’t a deep tackle class in free agency. … The Patriots will also be heavily interested in drafting a tackle, and new offensive line coach Scott Peters arrived in Indianapolis on Wednesday night to scout prospects.”