2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt Harmon

High-end starters

1) Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers. Age: 34 *announced retirement*

The veteran just keeps chugging along. Jordan Gross had another phenomenal season as the blind side protector for the Panthers. Gross has stated that he is contemplating retirement, and will only play for Carolina if he returns. The Panthers better hope that is the case. Gross still has a few years left in him, and many teams would be interested in acquiring him.

Good starters

1) Eugene Monroe, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 27 *re-signed with Ravens*

He took awhile to get going, but Eugene Monroe was a massive upgrade at left tackle for the Ravens. Right in the prime of his career, this could be the beginning of very good things for Monroe. If he manages to get out of Baltimore, teams will be lining up to pay him.

2) Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs. Age: 29 *signed with Dolphins*

Albert seemed like a lock to leave the Chiefs after Eric Fisher was brought in with the top pick last year. Given how poorly Fisher performed as a rookie, can the Chiefs still count on that plan? Albert has some seemingly chronic injury issues, but is a very good player. He will certainly draw some attention on the open market.

3) Jared Veldheer, Oakland Raiders. Age: 27 *signed with Cardinals*

His injury really derailed his 2013 campaign, but Veldheer is a very nice player. If he manages to get out of Oakland, the young and talented left tackle will get paid. He might not be a household name, but he is amongst the best at his position, provided he is healthy.

Solid Contributors

1) Anthony Collins, Cincinnati Bengals. Age: 28 *signed with Buccaneers*

Collins has been a backup and spot-starter for the Bengals, but has shined when given a chance. The Bengals could elect to keep him, but that seems unlikely. His finical and playing time demands will likely keep him out of reach for Cincinnati. He could certainly be a starter somewhere else next season.

2) Rodger Saffold, St. Louis Rams. Age: 26 *re-signed with Rams*

If he could stay on the field consistently, Rodger Saffold might be higher on this list. His versatility is his strongest skill. He has played well at left and right tackle, as well as inside at guard. If you feel good about his health, he would be a great addition to just about any team.

3) Zach Strief, New Orleans Saints. Age: 30 *re-signed with Saints*

Strictly a right tackle, and a mediocre one at that. Zach Strief is someone who can hold down the fort for a few years, but you will always try to replace. You can get some bouts of solid play here. Just don’t go throwing the big money around.

4) Austin Howard, New York Jets. Age: 27 *signed with Raiders*

Austin Howard has had some really rough moments early on in his career. However, he has gotten better with time. His protection skills have improved immensely since his promotion to the starting lineup. Howard is still young, and you could do a lot worse at right tackle.

5) Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Age: 30 *signed with Raiders*

The former undrafted free agent has made a nice career for himself, but Donald Penn has been a bit overrated the last few years. He can start at left tackle, but expect more than a few gaffes per game. Penn's quickness for a man size is his bet attribute, but it is fair to wonder if that ability is eroding.

6) Michael Oher, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 28 *signed with Titans*

More well known for his big name than his play, Michael Oher has been a disappointment in Baltimore. Given that their other starting tackle is a free agent too, Oher will likely be elsewhere come March. The problem is, he looks lost at left tackle, and not much better on the right side. His future is very uncertain at this point. It feels like some team is destined to overpay him due to his name and team’s success.

7) David Stewart, Tennessee Titans. Age: 31

His release was mostly a monetary issue, but David Stewart has been on the decline for awhile now. his is still relatively sound in pass protection, but really struggles to win as a run blocker. He could probably still start for several teams, but these are his twilight years.

8) Tyson Clabo, Miami Dolphins. Age: 32

If you bring in Tyson Clabo, you have to wonder which version you are getting. Will he be the dreadful player from the first half of the season? Or the passable one from the second? It’s probably best not to bet too heavily either way.

9) Breno Giacomini, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 28 *signed with Jets*

His absence was felt during his extended absence with an injury. Still, Breno Giacomini is an average player on his best day. Nothing special to see here.

Role players

1) J’Marcus Webb, Minnesota Vikings. Age: 26

He ultimately failed as a starter with the Chicago Bears, but it may not all have been his fault. Webb was a gifted seventh round pick that was rushed into action. He still retains all the tools to be a starting NFL tackle. If you sign him, at worst you get a great backup swing tackle. Maybe, if you coach him up, you can get something more. Every team should want to sign a player like this.

2) Byron Bell, Carolina Panthers. Age: 25 (RFA) *tendered by Panthers (2nd round)*

Byron Bell has been less than spectacular as the Panthers right tackle. He is a big mauler, who struggles to get his hands on defenders. He has a wealth of experience and is still pretty young. The Panthers will likely bring him back, but try to upgrade upon him. Bell is the type of tackle that would make a good guard, if moved.

3) Eric Winston, Arizona Cardinals. Age: 30

Winston was a great player with the Texans several years ago, and still has a place in the NFL. He came on late once he adjusted to the Cardinals scheme. He brings valuable experience and depth to any offensive line.

4) Eben Britton, Chicago Bears. Age: 26 *re-signed with Bears*

It feels like Eben Britton has been around forever, but he is still pretty young. Britton does not excel at any one spot, but can play guard or right tackle in a pinch. Not someone you want to hand a starting job, but a player a team wouldn’t mind having in reserve.

5) Bryant McKinnie, Miami Dolphins. Age: 34

Old, lazy, and declining skills, there’s not much positive with McKinnie. He can give you some moments of great play, but can just as easily burn you. Perhaps a contender takes the risk of playing him. He could just as easily played his last snap in the NFL.

6) Charles Brown, New Orleans Saints. Age: 27 *signed with Giants*

Youth gets him on this list, but Charles Brown is not a very good player. He failed miserably as the Saints starting left tackle. If he could not succeed with Drew Brees as his quarterback, he probably does not stand a chance elsewhere.

Diamond in the Rough

1) Jason Fox, Detroit Lions. Age: 26 *signed with Dolphins*

He never really saw the field much in Detroit, but that was mostly due to injury issues. He had a chance to start this season, but was passed over by an undrafted rookie. Perhaps a fresh start will help get his career in gear. There is talent to be had on the cheap here.

Comment Box is loading comments...