NFL, Team News / Analysis, Player News / Analysis, Rumors, Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Andre Smith, NFL Draft, Andy Levitre, Brandon Moore , NFL Free Agency, NFL Offseason, 2013 NFL Free Agency
For a look at the free agent quarterbacks of 2013, click here.
For running backs, click here.
For wide receivers/tight ends, click here.
For defensive linemen, click here.
We'll start with the tackles. Ryan Clady is a beast, playing in three Pro Bowls in five career seasons. Injury concerns have the Broncos reluctant to give him a long-term contract, so we'll see if they slap him with the franchise tag.
Originally considered a bust, Andre Smith has turned into one of the league's premier run-blocking tackles. The Bengals have plenty of cap space, and aren't expected to let Smith hit the open market, whether it be a result of a long-term deal or the franchise tag.
With the first overall pick in the draft, the Chiefs could select top offensive prospect Luke Joeckel (a left tackle), making Branden Albert expendable. Albert has called the idea of moving from tackle to guard "ludicrous," so if the Chiefs decide to go the Joeckel route, Albert would likely end up being the top tackle on the market in March.
Jake Long might be the biggest name among free agent offensive linemen, but his play has really dropped off over the past two seasons. He's looking to get a contract in the range of $10 million, but the Dolphins are reportedly willing to pay only $6-7 million. He seems likely to hit the open market, where someone will likely take a chance on Long regaining his former dominance. The Raiders, whose offensive line coach is Tony Sporano (former head coach of the Dolphins), could be a potential landing spot.
The Lions may have trouble bringing back Gosder Cherilus due to limited cap space. In addition, they have starting left tackle Jeff Backus under contract for next season, and a former first-round pick in Riley Reiff ready for a chance to start. Cherilus was one of the top pass blockers in the league in 2012.
If the Patriots can bring back Sebastian Vollmer for 2013, they'll have the same five starters on the offensive line as they did in 2012. Continuity is huge for an offensive line unit, and Vollmer is a good player, which is why the Patriots are expected to prioritize the tackle and not let him walk. The only factor that may hold up a new deal is Vollmer's history of back issues.
Will Beatty had a very strong season in 2012, but is considered the Giants' top priority in free agency... The Vikings are not expected to let Phil Loadholt hit the open market, and Adrian Peterson is also urging management to get a deal done with the tackle.
