The Sports World News free agency primer is here, and will continue until free agency starts on March 11th. Offensive linemen are some of the most under appreciated players in pro sports, but good ones make huge money in free agency. The market will be a game of musical chairs between the teams losing tackles, but where will they land? The top five at the position and predictions:
1) Eugene Monroe: Monroe is the consensus top offensive tackle in this class and I have no argument to the contrary. Monroe had himself a great season even after being traded from the Jaguars for scraps. The Ravens would be wise to keep Monroe around, but reports aren’t looking good. Teams have cooled on Monroe in favor of his cheaper or younger counterparts in free agency. The Ravens can make this work but if not offensive tackle has become a huge need for Baltimore.
Prediction: Ravens
2) Jared Veldheer: Veldheer missed most of the 2013 campaign with a tricep tear, but is still 27 and entering his prime. He is an above average left tackle and should be able to net a huge salary. The Raiders could try to lowball him considering his injury, but someone will offer top dollar. A team that lost their tackle in free agency only makes sense. Very few times can a team upgrade when losing a guy like Branden Albert.
Prediction: Cardinals
3) Alex Mack: Mack is one of two non-tackles to make my top five linemen. The Browns used the transition tag on Mack and any team can sign him. Cleveland can match that offer and bring Mack back or they can let him walk with no compensation. Mack may be the best center in the NFL and Cleveland doesn’t know what to pay him. Cleveland looks to be waiting for another team to sign Mack and then match it. He isn’t going anywhere.
Prediction: Browns
4) Branden Albert: Albert would be a higher rated tackle if he could play a full season. Albert has only played 16 games in a season once and that doesn’t look good for a guy about to turn 30. Albert shouldn't be offered a long term contract, but at this position you have to take what you can get and talent is sometimes scarce. Rumors are that the Dolphins prefer Albert to Monroe for reasons I don't understand.
Prediction: Dolphins
5a) Rodger Saffold: Another player who has issues staying healthy. Saffold has an advantage that all the other free agents don’t have, he can play guard as well. Saffold is by no means elite at any position, but is serviceable and a medium level guy all-around. He can be a solid utility guy for a team rebuilding it’s line, but buyer beware and sign a quality backup.
Prediction: Raiders
5b) Evan Dietrich-Smith: Dietrich-Smith is a combination of Mack and Safford. He can play both guard and center, but excels at center. His ability to move around gives him leverage in some contract negations and he deserves to be paid accordingly.
Prediction: Packers
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