6 BEST OFFENSIVE LINEMEN STILL AVAILABLE IN FREE AGENCY

BY ADAM GREENE

While we might be looking at slim pickings at the offensive skill positions, there’s a solid stack of quality offensive lineman still currently riding their barcaloungers and looking for work. As such, this was a tougher list to narrow down to just six, and I left off plenty of guys (Jason Peters, Daniel Kilgore, James Hurst, etc…) that could not only help teams, but should be snapped up before training camp begins.

But, I’m sticking with the half dozen, and with some of these guys being younger and looking for that long-term contract, a team could build a solid line for years to come with this crew.

6. DEMAR DOTSON (formerly of the Denver Broncos)

35 years old, 451 snaps played, zero sacks allowed, three penalties, PFF Grade: 70.8

After a long stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dotson found his way to Denver on a one year deal, starting eight games and playing at a superior level. Since his second season in the league, Dotson has started 114 games in the NFL for the Bucs and Broncos, taking over as Tampa’s starting right tackle in 2012 until 2019.

Perfect fit: New York Jets

As the second worst team in the league last season with arguably the worst roster, it’s no surprise that the Jets should still be in the market for offensive line upgrades, especially with a rookie QB in Zach Wilson. Dotson would be an immediate upgrade over penciled in starter George Fant at right tackle. A guy the team added as a free agent last year under the old coaching regime. If there’s anyone who knows the value of an elite offensive line, it should be new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, both formerly of the San Francisco 49ers.

5. AUSTIN REITER, CENTER (formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs)

29 years old, 867 snaps played, zero sacks allowed, zero penalties, PFF Grade: 70.9

Reiter was banged up for the Chiefs last season and still had a solid year, production-wise, in his 12 regular season starts. With the complete overhaul of their offensive line this offseason, they decided to replace him with Austin Blythe, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams. Reiter started every game of the Chiefs 2019 Super Bowl championship run in his first full year in the first team line up.

Perfect fit: New York Giants

The Giants had an excellent draft, but did nothing in the amateur player selection meeting to address their offensive line issues. They’ll get Nat Solder back on the outside after he took the year off in a Covid-19 opt out, but they should still be looking to improve across the rest of the line. Plus, it’s always smart to add an O-lineman with a ring when you get the chance.

4. BEN GARLAND, CENTER (formerly of the San Francisco 49ers)

33 years old, 333 snaps played, zero sacks allowed, one penalty, PFF Grade: 71.0

Garland was the starting center for the 49ers to open last season, but was one of the many first teamers that went down with injuries. His five starts were elite as he was handed the keys for the first time in his career.

Perfect fit: Los Angeles Rams

With Alex Mack joining the 49ers, there’s no more room on the roster for Garland, who finds himself looking for work. No reason not to remain in the NFC West and join what was the No. 3 offensive line in the league in 2020 that lost its own center, Blythe, to free agency. According to reports, the Rams are working guard Austin Corbett at center right now, but with a low price tag, it’s difficult to see how Garland, even available off the bench, wouldn’t be an asset and add some insurance in case Corbett needs to move back to guard.

3, RUSSELL OKUNG, TACKLE (formerly of the Carolina Panthers)

32 years old, 406 snaps played, three sacks allowed, four penalties, PFF Grade: 73.0

Okung made more news this offseason thanks to his desire, last year, to be paid in Bitcoin, than he has as a free agent. While he’s only 32, Okung has been in the league since 2010 and started every game in which he’s been healthy. Over the last two seasons, that’s not been full time work as he’s played a total of 13 games. Still, he’s healthy now, nuts about making money (especially Bitcoin) and has made no hint about wanting to retire.

Perfect fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Okung is a veteran tackle that needs to be utilized by a veteran team. Neither projected starter for the Steelers (Chukwuma Okafor or Zach Banner) are anywhere near Okung’s caliber. That could just be because they’re young, but Okung would be worth the investment as Pittsburgh attempts to get at least one more season out of Ben Roethlisberger.

2, RICK WAGNER, TACKLE (formerly of the Green Bay Packers)

31 years old, 610 snaps played, one sack allowed, zero penalties, PFF Grade: 77.0

The Pack signed Wagner for peanuts last season and accidentally got their starting right tackle in the process. Still, even dealing with a two-year, $11 million contract, Green Bay was too tight on the salary cap this offseason and cut him loose. Reportedly, Wagner is thinking about retiring, which would be a shame as he’s relatively young for an OG at 31.

Perfect fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars need help everywhere, as you would expect from the worst team in the NFL. In April’s draft, they added OT Walker Little out of Stanford and he could turn into a starter down the road. I wouldn’t chance it, as Wagner could step in today opposite former second round selection Cam Robinson and help solidify an offensive line for their rookie No. 1 QB Trevor Lawrence.

1. BRETT JONES – Guard (formerly of the Minnesota Vikings)

29 years old, 138 snaps played, one sack allowed, zero penalties, PFF Grade: 77.6

Jones played so well last season it’s kind of shocking he’s not been picked up yet. Reportedly, he’s being courted by the Green Bay Packers and the Vikings, who should very much want him to return. Jones was a reserve for the Vikes last season, playing in 15 games but starting in just two.Now entering his sixth year in the league and posting a 77.6 PFF grade, he’s probably looking for a real contract that’ll give him some stability. As a guy that can play guard and center, he has some real value, even for a team with an established center.

Perfect fit: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are a young team, building an offense from the ground up having gone (rightly) all-in on second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The picked a couple of tackles in April’s draft (Liam Eichenberg out of Notre Dame and Larnel Coleman from UMass) and could convert either or both to guards, but Jones would be a significant upgrade over them and presumptive interior OL starters Solomon Kindley, Matt Skura and Robert Hunt.

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