Before the free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents which will be available at each position on March 16.
Although there are other ways, the best way to win games in the NFL is to have a successful quarterback. And for that, he must have the time to do his readings. He must also be able to rely on an effective running game. In these two areas, pitchers must be supported by a good offensive line: this is why, during the market and during the draft, players from these 5 positions are so coveted.
1- Terron Armstead, OT, Saints, 30
Terron Armstead was only able to play 7 games in full in 2021: the first two, just like in weeks 7, 8 and 9, then week 11 then week 13. This knee injury will have bothered him all season! He will have surgery during this off-season and inevitably, this will affect his search for a new contract. However, he shouldn’t struggle too much given his level and the premium position he occupies. Holders of a largely overdrawn account, the Saints will have great difficulty in extending it. Although of course, we have seen others and in particular with Mickey Loomis, the manager of New Orleans. If he doesn’t stay in the bayou then he could play in AFC North in 2022: the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers are on the lookout. Two Florida franchises should also court him: The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins.
2- Brandon ScherffOG, Commanders, 30 years
Having always played, until then, in the capital, Brandon Scherff aspires to a new contract. Very efficient for the ground game, this former tackle at the university level is also an experienced bodyguard for quarterbacks. Are Commanders willing to pay for it for the next 4 seasons? It would be better for Tyler Heinicke or for the future rookie. This problem is that of Ron Rivera and the leaders of Washington because, for the player, there will be no shortage of offers: Bengals, Jaguars and Chargers could offer him to play in front of a young (and talented) quarterback. Also, the New York Jets: with a comfortable salary margin, the young Zach Wilson could use some help in front of him.
3- Laken Tomlinson, OG, 49ers, 30
Laken Tomlinson is mobile for protection and effective in bulk, it will be coveted. A little too penalized in 2021, he is nevertheless a reliable player who has not missed a match for 4 seasons. Again, the Miami Dolphins could try to attract him, especially since the new coach (Mike McDaniel) knows him well, since he comes from San Francisco.
4- Ryan Jensen, OC, Buccaneers, 30
Already in possession of a champion’s ring, ryan jensen wants (and will) sign one last NFL contract. This player drafted in the 6th round only (2013) has not missed a game for 5 seasons. In 2021 again, his level of play places him among the best in his position: 9 missed blocks (0.8%), only one conceded sack and only 3 penalties in 1097 snaps! Good and experienced, he will be the delight of a franchise in 2022. With, possibly, a young quarterback in charge, the Buccaneers would like to keep him. Especially after having already lost the guard Ali Marpet who stops his career. But with a payroll with little flexibility, he could play somewhere other than Florida in 2022. Elsewhere than Florida? Again and again, the Miami Dolphins could seize the opportunity. Just like the Cincinnati Bengals
5- Bradley Bozeman, OCRavens
little publicized, Bradley Bozeman could be the bargain of the market on the offensive line. Double university champion with Alabama, he won in Baltimore: only 1 game missed in the last three seasons, all as a holder. Effective in protection (2 sacks conceded in 2021, 7 in the last three seasons), he is also an intelligent player who has not cost any penalties in 2021. None in 1064 snaps played! Again, Dolphins and Bengals should be interested. No doubt also the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants, but these two franchises have work to do to clean up their accounts first. Just like Ravens, certainly, eager to keep it. The New York Jets, too, could benefit.
Others : Andrew Norwell (OG/Jaguars), AJ Cann (OG/Jaguars), Ted Karras (IOL/Patriots/), Trent Brown (OT/Patriots), Eric Fisher (OT/Colts), Morgan Moses (OT/Jets), James Daniels (IOL/Bears), connor williams (OG/Cowboys), Ben Jones (OC/Titans), Austin Corbett (OG/Rams) Chukwuma Okorafor (OT/Steelers), Duane Brown (OT/Seahawks)…
*IOL: meaning Interior Offensive Line and therefore players who can play guard and center.
Andrew Norwell did not justify his huge contract signed in 2018 (66M dollars including 30M guaranteed). His superb 2017 season seems far away! Also with the other titular guard, AJ Cannfree of contract, the Jaguars have a lot of work to do this offseason to protect the blond face of their franchise. Ted Karras offers the possibility of playing center or guard. A not very flashy player, he is a solid soldier but can he flourish elsewhere than near Boston? James Daniels also offers this versatility. Disappointing, given his position in the draft (50th), connor williams will only be 25 at the start of the 2022 season: he should get a new contract, because of that, but not necessarily in Arlington. Ben Jones is sometimes exceeded for the ground game but in protection, it is effective and in the NFL this is necessarily valuable: several franchises need a better center so there is a risk of overbidding. To see what the Steelers want to do with Chukwuma Okorafor after drafting him in the 3rd round in 2018: not bad but average at best. same for me Austin Corbett who struggles to justify his status as first choice of the 2nd round of the draft in 2018, without being bad for all that. Well worth a bet with a relatively short contract. On the contrary, Morgan Moses offers him experience, just like Duane Brown. The latter will be 37 at the start of the 2022 season and while he was still relatively effective, his 2021 season has shown some signs of decline.
