Top O linemen free agents from the Athletic that can help end our nightmare….

[WarPanthers89]

This is from the Athletic Article on top 75 free agents coming up. I figured I would compile the list of O line players from this list so that we can all dream collectively as a group. I assume we have two positions locked down next year: Taylor Moton at RT, Brady Christensen at LG (this isn’t up for debate…we all know the staff will not start him at LT next year). I almost put a locked down position of LT which will hopefully be what we do at pick number 6 overall, but I’ll leave it up to you. As GM, how would you address free agency to set up up on the draft? 

2. Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Kansas City Chiefs (26)

Brown has leverage and is in terrific position to cash in. The Chiefs traded for him last offseason but did not sign Brown to an extension as part of the deal. He’s played well for them at left tackle and has missed just one game in his career. He’s young, durable, good and plays a premium position. The Chiefs could use the franchise tag on Brown, but that would essentially just be kicking the can down the road a year. If they don’t tag him, Brown very well could become the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL with a deal worth north of $23 million per year.

5. Terron Armstead, OT, New Orleans Saints (31)

The big question with Armstead is durability. He dealt with a number of injuries in 2021 and has played in 37 of a possible 49 games over the past three seasons. But when Armstead is on the field, he’s one of the best left tackles in the NFL. This is a position where demand outweighs supply. Trent Williams set the top of the market last offseason with a deal worth just more than $23 million per year. There are eight left tackles making $16 million per year or more, and Armstead will make that nine.

12. Brandon Scherff, OG, Washington Football Team (30)

The big question with Scherff is durability. He missed six games in 2021 and has been sidelined for 14 of a possible 49 games over the past three seasons. When he’s on the field, Scherff is still a high-quality right guard. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack and gave up just one QB hit on 398 pass-blocking snaps last season. Joel Bitonio signed an extension with the Cleveland Browns in November worth $16 million per year. And Joe Thuney signed for $16 million per year with the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason. Scherff, who has played the past two years on the franchise tag, will likely find a deal in that same neighborhood if teams can get over the durability concerns.

14. Ryan Jensen, OC, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31)

He’s a tone-setter who thrives on getting under the skin of opposing defensive players. Jensen has been one of the best centers (arguably the best) in the NFL for years now. He hasn’t missed a game in the past five seasons. And we had him as a second-team All-Pro for 2021. Corey Linsley was in a similar spot last offseason and landed a deal worth $12.5 million per year. Jensen could easily top that and become the highest-paid center in the NFL.

17. Cam Robinson, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars (26)

You’re probably thinking, “Based on performance, there’s no way that Robinson should be 17th!” And you’re right. But positional value matters. And competent left tackles get big paydays. I don’t make the rules! The Jaguars used the franchise tag ($13.7 million) on him last offseason. Robinson has been inconsistent in his five-year NFL career, but he’s started 61 games, including 44 over the past three seasons. PFF charged Robinson with just one sack allowed on 573 pass-blocking snaps last season. The floor for starting left tackles in free agency — specifically ones in their mid-20s — is around $14.5 million per year.

17. Cam Robinson, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars (26)

You’re probably thinking, “Based on performance, there’s no way that Robinson should be 17th!” And you’re right. But positional value matters. And competent left tackles get big paydays. I don’t make the rules! The Jaguars used the franchise tag ($13.7 million) on him last offseason. Robinson has been inconsistent in his five-year NFL career, but he’s started 61 games, including 44 over the past three seasons. PFF charged Robinson with just one sack allowed on 573 pass-blocking snaps last season. The floor for starting left tackles in free agency — specifically ones in their mid-20s — is around $14.5 million per year.

27. Laken Tomlinson, OG, San Francisco 49ers (30)

He made the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2021 after turning in another strong performance. Tomlinson has not missed a game over the past four seasons and has played 100% of the team’s offensive snaps over the past three seasons. Tomlinson will likely be one of the most coveted offensive linemen in this year’s class.

28. Brian Allen, OC, Los Angeles Rams (26)

After starting nine games in 2019, Allen suffered a serious knee injury and never saw the field in 2020. But Allen bounced back in a big way in 2021, starting 16 games and playing at a high level. Given that Allen is just 26 years old, it would be no surprise to see him find a strong market among center-needy teams.

29. Bradley Bozeman, G/C, Baltimore Ravens (27)

Bozeman played left guard in 2019 and 2020 before sliding over to center in 2021. He’s been a quality starter and extremely durable with 48 starts over the past three seasons. Frank Ragnow set the top of the center market at $13.5 million per year. There are currently eight centers who make $10 million or more per year.

30. Eric Fisher, OT, Indianapolis Colts (31)

I will repeat myself once again here: Left tackles get paid! Based purely on performance, Fisher should be nowhere near this spot. But supply and demand matter. Fisher was coming off of an Achilles injury last offseason and signed a one-year, $8.4 million deal with the Colts. He started 15 games and held up better as a run blocker than a pass blocker, where he allowed seven sacks and 11 quarterback hits. More half of the NFL’s left tackles (18 to be exact) are making at least $11 million per year. Charles Leno’s three-year, $37 million deal with Washington could be a good comp for Fisher.

38. Trent Brown, OT, New England Patriots (29)

When he was last a free agent in 2019, Brown signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the (then) Oakland Raiders. He played just 16 games in two seasons for the Raiders, who then traded him back to the Patriots. The issue with Brown is durability. He’s played in just 14 games over the past two seasons. But when he’s on the field, Brown performs. And he can play left or right tackle. Given the demand for quality offensive linemen around the league, Brown should find a market.

41. Alex Cappa, OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)

He started 17 games at right guard last season and played well. Cappa has not been a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but he’s been solid and has started 46 of a possible 49 games over the past three seasons. Matt Feiler signed for $7 million per season with the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason, and Kevin Zeitler signed for $7.5 million per year with the Baltimore Ravens. Those deals could represent the floor for a potential deal with Cappa.

43. Duane Brown, OT, Seattle Seahawks (37)

He’s been remarkably durable, having not missed a start over the past two seasons. Brown has missed just four games in the past four years (all in 2019). He’s obviously past his prime, but demand always outweighs supply for left tackles. Andrew Whitworth got a two-year, $17 million deal from the Rams at the age of 40 last offseason. That’s probably the contract to work off of for Brown.

50. Morgan Moses, OT, New York Jets (31)

The Jets signed Moses in July after Washington released him, and he started 16 games at right tackle. Moses has been incredibly durable. He hasn’t missed a game in the past seven seasons. At 31, Moses’ best days are probably behind him, but he can still be a solid starter. Daryl Williams got $8 million per year from the Buffalo Bills last offseason, and Riley Reiff signed with the Cincinnati Bengals for $7.5 million. Those could be reasonable comps for Moses.

52. Andrew Norwell, OG, Jacksonville Jaguars (30)

In 2018, Norwell signed a five-year deal with the Jaguars worth $13.3 million per year. He took a pay cut down to $9 million last season and now will become a free agent. Norwell’s best days are behind him (he was an All-Pro in 2017), but he can still be a solid starter at left guard. He could be looking at a contract in the $7 million per year range, which is what Kevin Zeitler and Matt Feiler signed for last offseason.

58. Ben Jones, OC, Tennessee Titans (33)

Jones has been a quality starter for a long time, and his durability is nearly unmatched. Jones has been active for 160 of a possible 161 games since entering the league in 2012. He’s missed just one start in the last eight seasons. Jones will be an attractive option for teams that are looking for a reliable veteran center.

69. James Daniels, OG, Chicago Bears (25)

Originally the 39th overall pick in 2018, Daniels has not proven to be more than an average starter through his first four seasons. But teams could be attracted to his youth and upside. There’s the possibility that Daniels could find more consistency on his next contract and be an ascending player. He has 48 starts under his belt, including 17 last year.

I pray we get two from this list. Also here is a pic of one of the GOATS even though he’s not a linemen. RIP killa

 

Edited February 7, 2022 by WarPanthers89

[TheCasillas]

Our money management team is going to have to show their "A-Game" this offseason so we can go after 2-3 of these monsters. Lots of talent available this offseason to upgrade our trenches. 

[LinvilleGorge]

Give me two of the following three: Brian Allen, Bradley Bozeman, Alex Cappa

[WarPanthers89]

1 minute ago, TheCasillas said:

Our money management team is going to have to show their "A-Game" this offseason so we can go after 2-3 of these monsters. Lots of talent available this offseason to upgrade our trenches. 

Absolutely. I think if we can get C and G in free agency we will be set up well. Imagine a stud at number 6 overall at LT, Brady at LG, Stud FA Center, Stud FA RG, Moton at RT.

[LinvilleGorge]

34 minutes ago, WarPanthers89 said:

Absolutely. I think if we can get C and G in free agency we will be set up well. Imagine a stud at number 6 overall at LT, Brady at LG, Stud FA Center, Stud FA RG, Moton at RT.

This Christensen at OG story is a pipedream IMO. His biggest issue at OT is playing strength. That'll be a LOT bigger issue inside at OG, not to mention the change of position/technique required. I think Brady is a LT. The only question is if he's a starting LT or a backup LT.

[WarPanthers89]

9 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

This Christensen at OG story is a pipedream IMO. His biggest issue at OT is playing strength. That'll be a LOT bigger issue inside at OG, not to mention the change of position/technique required. I think Brady is a LT. The only question is if he's a starting LT or a backup LT.

I tend to agree with you, but some time in an NFL weight room could pay off by next season if he sticks to one position. I see him long term as a valuable backup LT and G but I don’t see this staff sticking with him as a starting LT, they simply refuse to entertain it for some reason.

[LinvilleGorge]

12 minutes ago, WarPanthers89 said:

I tend to agree with you, but some time in an NFL weight room could pay off by next season if he sticks to one position. I see him long term as a valuable backup LT and G but I don’t see this staff sticking with him as a starting LT, they simply refuse to entertain it for some reason.

This staff is comprised of morons. I'm hoping a largely new offensive staff can slap some sense into Rhule. 

 

[hepcat]

Could have had a 2nd year QB with a bunch of money to sign veteran lineman this offseason.

Instead we have a CB with a bum foot and a terrible QB making $19m. 

[jayboogieman]

1 hour ago, WarPanthers89 said:

He’s played well for them at left tackle and has missed just one game in his career. He’s young, durable, good and plays a premium position.

If the Panthers were able to land him, Brown will become a bigger and more expensive version of post extension CMC.

[Waldo]

Go ahead a take off the injury prone guys like Armstead and Schriff. If they can't stay on the field then they are not the answer, at least not a good one.

Take of the RTs, we good.

After that is the real list. Pick one because these people wasted so much cap on Darnope and 2 duds last year. Welcome to reality lol. 

Edited February 7, 2022 by Waldo

[kungfoodude]

1 hour ago, LinvilleGorge said:

This Christensen at OG story is a pipedream IMO. His biggest issue at OT is playing strength. That'll be a LOT bigger issue inside at OG, not to mention the change of position/technique required. I think Brady is a LT. The only question is if he's a starting LT or a backup LT.

I think the answer seems a little obvious. He's a backup.

[kungfoodude]

21 minutes ago, Waldo said:

Go ahead a take off the injury prone guys like Armstead and Schriff. If they can't stay on the field then they are not the answer, at least not a good one.

Take of the RTs, we good.

After that is the real list. Pick one because these people wasted so much cap on Darnope and 2 duds last year. Welcome to reality lol. 

That's not the answer. Taking injury prone OL worked well for us last offseason. It worked 1000%. You just can't see it.

[jfo89]

I would take the Rams Center and almost any of the guards on the list. Let Brown stick at RG, draft a LT and let Brady battle it out at LT with the rookie.

[LinvilleGorge]

10 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

I think the answer seems a little obvious. He's a backup.

He played pretty damn well for a rookie LT playing beside trash at IOL.