2010 Outlook: Top Free Agent Offensive Linemen
Posted by Chris KolbDec 22
This is the latest part in out continuing series looking at the potential free agent class of 2010. Be sure to let us know what you think by reacting in the comment section!
Top Free Agent Offensive Linemen
1. Logan Mankins – New England (UFA)
Mankins is young, athletic, and talented; three things that will almost certainly guarantee an extension from the Patriots this off-season. That said, it is possible that he could get free and head into the open market, if New England feels they’ll need the cash to sign their other key free agents. If he does end up a free agent next spring, Mankins would immediately be at the top of almost every team’s short list, as he has proven himself to be an outstanding blocker in the interior of the Patriots line.
Likely destinations: New England, Kansas City, Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Seattle, Carolina
2. Marcus McNeill – San Diego (UFA)
Like Mankins before him, there’s little chance that McNeill finds himself available to sign anywhere he chooses when free agency opens up, given his excellent play thus far with the Chargers. McNeill has protected Philip Rivers’ blindside fairly well this season, giving him the time to dissect opposing defenses and put points on the board. McNeill is also young enough that a team in need of a left tackle would shell out big time cash to get him in the fold.
Likely destinations: San Diego, Seattle, Buffalo, Detroit, Kansas City, Chicago, Arizona
3. Jahri Evans – New Orleans (UFA)
The Saints seem to be smitten with Evans right now, which doesn’t bode well for him to hit the open market any time soon. That said, they could find themselves priced out of his range if his contract demands are too high, and a franchise designation would not be cost effective either. If Evans does end up being available, expect the market on him to develop very quickly, as he has played extremely well all season long, and has the ability to provide a team with a quality blocker for the next six years at the very least.
Likely destinations: New Orleans, Kansas City, Chicago, Seattle, Buffalo, New England, Carolina
4. Donald Penn – Tampa Bay (UFA)
His team hasn’t played all that well as a whole, but Penn has done his part to protect the quarterback in Tampa, and could find himself the recipient of a boatload of cash this off-season as a result. Out of all the top free agent O-line players, Penn is most likely to be available on the market next spring, given all the other needs the Bucs have right now, and there will be no shortage of suitors if he does.
Likely destinations: Seattle, Carolina, Kansas City, Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit, San Diego
5. Jared Gaither – Baltimore (RFA)
I typically don’t discuss restricted free agents in great detail, seeing as their current team will almost certainly hold on to them for another season, but in the case of Gaither, I had to go for it. Gaither has been a steady performer for the Ravens ever since they got him in the supplemental draft a few years back, and while it’s doubtful that Baltimore will let him get away, another team could come in with a good enough offer to entice a deal this off-season.
Likely destinations: Baltimore, Carolina, Seattle, Buffalo, Kansas City
Other Notable UFA Offensive Linemen
- Willie Colon – Pittsburgh
- Jermon Bushrod – New Orleans
- Daryn Colledge – Green Bay
- Mike Brisiel – Houston
- Alex Barron – St. Louis
- Kevin Mawae – Tennessee
- Nick Kaczur – New England
- Deuce Letui – Arizona
- Stephen Neal – New England
- Jeremy Trueblood – Tampa Bay
- Marshal Yanda – Baltimore
Other Notable RFA Offensive Linemen
- Jeremey Clary – San Diego
- Stephon Heyer – Washington
- Manuel Ramirez – Detroit
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