2010 NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen
By: Roshan Bhagat
Age as of 9/1/09. All free agents listed here are done so with an optimistic outlook that a new CBA will be agreed upon. Accordingly, only four accrued seasons are necessary to obtain an Unrestricted Free Agency status on this list.
Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints (26)
Jahri Evans is continuing to grade out as the teams best run-blocking linemen week after week. The Saints have done a nice job of efficiently running the ball through the middle and on the right side of the line. His continual high level of play and positive, team-first attitude should translate to a high-end offensive guard contract at years end. Expect the Saints, who have nothing but positive things to say towards Evans, to richly reward him for his hard work and production.
Logan Mankins, New England Patriots (27)
Logan Mankins has been a very consistent player for the Patriots since he was drafted. That type of consistency is difficult to match, but with free agency inflating the value of offensive guards, the Patriots may end up letting him walk if the price isnt right. They drafted a couple interior linemen last year and have to use some of their free money to re-sign other players. From what Mankins has said, he wants to stay on this winning franchise, but he could be one of the top players available next offseason.
Marcus McNeill, San Diego Chargers (25)
McNeill isnt playing at an elite level this year, but is still an above average left tackle. Hes one of the bigger names at the left tackle position thanks to his spectacular, hyped rookie season. McNeill has also been undercompensated the last few years playing on his rookie contract as a 2nd round pick, which may incline him to ask for more money than he deserves. Any of the Chargers could feasibly be had this offseason and McNeill is no different, but with some of the offensive line woes of the Chargers, McNeill may be one of their top priorities. His long-term neck and back problems could be in the back of the teams mind as well.
Daryn Colledge, Green Bay Packers (27)
Colledge is no longer viewed as the solution at left tackle in Green Bay. Mid-round TJ Lang has taken over the back-up position there. That alone is enough to make his value take a significant plunge. This will especially be overstated because of his poor performance in the teams biggest game to date Monday Night in Minnesota. Still, hes an above average starting offensive guard and a great pass protector in the interior. Colledges value will most likely be highest to the Packers because hes a great fit for what they do and they know his true value.
Jared Gaither, Baltimore Ravens (23) Restricted FA
After being taken off the field on a stretcher in New England, Gaither luckily suffered no season or career threatening injury. His return to the field should come in the upcoming weeks. The Ravens have found their bookend tackles, with him and Oher on either side, and even if they cant settle on a long-term deal with Gaither this offseason, they still have the ability to put a tender on him. At the very least, it would force teams to give up serious compensation for his services. Gaithers length and athleticism make him an ideal fit at left tackle, but could possibly get him for less coin if they think Oher is capable of playing LT and pay Gaither on the right side.
Winston Justice, Philadelphia Eagles (24)
Justice is finally starting to live up to his expectations as a 2nd round selection. Hes played well in pass protection at right tackle replacing the oft-injured Shawn Andrews. The Eagles are in a tricky situation. Andrews has flashed so much potential and played well when on the field, but has struggled to give them enough snaps without getting injured. Should the team re-sign Justice, they could very well be putting Justice on the bench at the cost of a starter. They already have last years free agent acquisition, Stacy Andrews expensively riding the bench.
Kevin Mawae, Tennessee Titans (38)
Mawae has started all six games for the Titans this year, but with his contract expiring, the line may turn to Leroy Harris who will have been groomed for 3 years, sparingly seeing the field. If Mawae is up for another season, he could land on a number of teams, or just re-sign in Tennessee. He still has a little gas left in the tank and it the Titans pass on him, several teams will be lining up for him and accept the leadership he brings to the team.
Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers (33)
Clifton has suffered a lingering ankle injury this season forcing the Packers to retreat to other options at left tackle. Even when on the field, Clifton hasnt looked like half the player he was in his prime where he was one of the leagues best pass blockers. The years of injury and battle have worn on Clifton who has lost some of his discipline and been beaten on several occasions. If Clifton isnt offered another contract in Green Bay, I wouldnt be surprised to see the franchises great blind side protector call it quits.
Mike Gandy, Arizona Cardinals (30)
Gandy has struggled immensely and should definitely be upgraded this offseason. He doesnt hold much value on the left side and may be asked to move to the right side for the rest of his career. If Arizona cant find a better replacement, they could potentially try and get one more year out of him, but the Cardinals would be pushing their luck.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Eugene Amano, Tennessee Titans (27)
David Baas, San Francisco 49ers (27)
Khalif Barnes, Oakland Raiders (27)
Alex Barron, St. Louis Rams (26)
Mike Brisiel, Houston Texans (26)
Jeromey Clary, San Diego Chargers (25) Restricted FA
Nick Cole, Philadelphia Eagles (25)
Willie Colon, Pittsburgh Steelers (26)
Ryan Cook, Minnesota Vikings (26)
Tyson Clabo, Atlanta Falcons (28)
Harvey Dahl, Atlanta Falcons (28)
Cornell Green, Oakland Raiders (33)
Rex Hadnot, Cleveland Browns (27)
Ben Hamilton, Denver Broncos (32)
Justin Hartwig, Pittsburgh Steelers (30)
Stephon Heyer, Washington Redskins (25) Restricted FA
Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams (26)
Jon Jansen, Washington Redskins (33)
Charlie Johnson, Indianapolis Colts (25)
Nick Kaczur, New England Patriots (30)
Chris Kuper, Denver Broncos (26)
Deuce Lutui, Arizona Cardinals (26)
Stephen Neal, New England Patriots (32)
Rudy Niswanger, Kansas City Chiefs (26)
Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Chester Pitts, Houston Texans (30)
Manuel Ramirez, Detroit Lions (26) Restricted FA
Rob Sims, Seattle Seahawks (25)
Chris Spencer, Seattle Seahawks (27)
Jason Spitz, Green Bay Packers (26)
Adam Terry, Baltimore Ravens (27)
Jeremy Trueblood, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Bobbie Williams, Cincinnati Bengals (32)
Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens (24)