Aside from the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, it seems every team needs offensive line help. Many teams need multiple linemen.
Often there aren’t many quality options in free agency because good linemen are scarce and teams keep tight grips on them. Recent prime examples are Trey Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs, and Alaric Jackson and the Los Angeles Rams.
Smith picked a good time to make his first Pro Bowl. He was one of the better guards in the NFL last season, a reason the Chiefs didn’t let him hit the open market right before he turns 26 years old. KC put the franchise tag on its star guard, keeping him on a one-year deal that’ll pay Smith $23.4 million.
Meanwhile, the Rams reached a three-year extension with Jackson valued at $57 million with $37 million guaranteed.
This free agency class offers some good options for teams in need. It will be costly to secure one of the top names on the market but there are also good options after the top tier.
Here are the top five offensive linemen in free agency:
Stanley is a fantastic talent. Yet, last season was the first time in his nine-year career that he has played every game in a season. Durability will be a part of the equation for Stanley, and usually that doesn’t improve at age 31, which Stanley will be next season. Still, when he plays, he’s a top left tackle.
Becton is an interesting case. He didn’t work out with the Jets, who drafted him in the first round and never saw a return on investment because Becton was regularly injured. He thrived with the Eagles, playing guard and blocking for a 2,000-yard rusher in Saquon Barkley. He started his career at tackle and perhaps could move back there. No matter where he plays, he has resurrected his career.
If Fries had a healthy 2024 season he’d be higher on the list. He had developed into an excellent guard for the Colts, posting the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade among guards last season. A fractured tibia in Week 5 ended his season early. The injury adds to the risk factor. If he’s healthy he could be a great addition.
Robinson was a midseason acquisition by the Vikings, and he competently played left tackle after Minnesota lost starter Christian Darrisaw to an injury. Robinson has started 101 games over eight seasons, mostly with the Jaguars, and he doesn’t turn 30 until October. He’d be a fine addition at tackle.
Zeitler will be 35 next season, but he is still a capable starter after 13 NFL seasons. He started 16 games for the Lions last season. He’d be a reasonable addition for a team looking for a short-term fix at guard.
