The NFL franchise tag deadline has come and gone, and the league is inching closer and closer to the beginning of free agency on March 13. Of all the players slapped with the tag prior to Monday’s deadline, none of them were offensive linemen. That sets up a rich market of talent for teams looking to upgrade their protection from the Gregg Williams-inspired cash-crazed hordes of pass rushers.
NFL Free Agency 2012: Guards Highlight Available Offensive Linemen
Teams looking to beef up their offensive line have some high profile options to choose from in free agency this year. Which players are the best free agent linemen in the NFL this season, and where will they land?
Here is our look at the top free agent linemen on the market.
The Saints ate a big chuck of their cap space when they gave Drew Brees the franchise tag. That could make it difficult to re-sign Nicks, who wants a contract larger than the seven-year, $56.7 million contract the Saints gave his teammmate Jahri Evans in 2010. Nicks, who turns 27 in May, will probably get exactly want he wants on the free agent market, and he might be worth every penny.
Potential destinations: Arizona, Dallas, San Diego, Seattle
Offensive tackles, especially left tackles, rarely walk away in free agency, at least not in the prime of their careers. For some reason, the Chiefs decided they preferred Barry Richardson to Gaither, and released him after Thanksgiving last year. San Diego was rewarded for their willingness to take a flyer. Now, they are trying to re-sign him, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Gaither does come with a history of red flags with regards to his health.
Potential destinations: Detroit, San Diego, Washington
Grubbs probably would have been tagged if Ray Rice had not demanded it this year. The Ravens and Grubbs are talking contract, but at last report, were far from a deal. With just five years experience under his belt, Grubbs is poised to receive the biggest contract of his career, one that should lock him up well into his 30s. He did miss a chuck of time in 2011 with a toe injury, but rebounded just fine in the second half of the season.
Potential destinations: Chicago, Cincinnati, Baltimore
Mathis graded out as one of the best guards in the league last year. Signed to a one-year deal, he was a steal for the Eagles, and was arguably their top free agent acquisition of the “dream team” season. Health contributed greatly to his career renaissance. This was the first season since 2006 that Mathis, 30, started more than seven games; he missed only one in 2011. The Eagles would like to have him back this season.
Potential destinations: Arizona, Dallas, Philadelphia
For all Green Bay’s issues on the edge, the middle of their offensive line was excellent thanks in no small part to the inspired play of Scott Wells. Drafted by the Packers in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Wells has been a common presence in two very distinct eras of team history. The Packers want to re-sign the 31 year old, and negotiations are ongoing.
Potential destinations: Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, Houston
Myers made the Pro Bowl for his work as part of a surprising Texans team in 2011. At last report, Myers was planning to dip his toes into the waters of free agency. Houston would like to have him back, and the Packers have dropped his name into the press as a potential replacement for Wells. Myers fits best in a zone blocking scheme.
Potential destinations: Green Bay, Houston
Nick Hardwick, C, San Diego Chargers
This is a good class of free agent centers, albeit an older one. San Diego cannot afford to let Hardwick get away, especially after Kris Deilman's retirement. Hardwick, 30, considered hanging it up himself, but opted to return. With the money the Chargers will save in letting Vincent Jackson get away into free agency, they can afford to bring back Hardwick.
Potential destinations: San Diego
Bell battled knee injuries last season, starting just six games. If he can stay healthy, Bell is an adequate solution on the outside, but that seems like a big ‘if’ at this point. The Bills would like to retain him, and have been discussing a contract, according to WGR 550 in Buffalo. Bell could appeal to teams as a backup if he lands on the open market.
Potential destinations: Buffalo, Detroit
Head coach Mike Munchak took his front five to task in public after a disappointing season. Despite the unit’s troubles, Scott actually had a decent season. According to the numbers at Pro Football Focus, Scott has allowed just five sacks in his last four seasons, and his best work comes in pass protection.
Potential destinations: Cincinnati, Tennessee
Satele played well in the lineup for the Raiders, except for drawing eight penalties. If some team can figure out how to get Satele to cut down on the penalties, it will have a solid center. Oakland might be hard pressed to keep Satele, given their cap situation.
Potential destinations: Denver, Oakland
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