Top 5 OL Free Agents to Watch

The toughest group for me to rank was the offensive linemen. Blame it on being a Giants fan but it is tough to spot offensive line talent. Putting together a “Top 5” is made even harder by the fact that there are technically 5 different positions in this group. I relied on our friends at Spotrac to help predict what the market will be for these guys. These signings will probably not garner the fireworks that they deserve but they will be some of the most important signings during free agency. As seen in the Super Bowl, if you are unable to protect your quarterback, you will not be able to compete against the top defensive teams in this league. Offensive linemen are truly the unsung heroes of the football world and hopefully the team you root for understands how to build a good group.

1. Rasheed Walker – LT

The person that is projected to earn the most and have the biggest NFL “rags-to-riches” is going to be Rasheed Walker of the Green Bay Packers. The big bodied left tackle is being allowed to walk by the Packers because they drafted youth at the position.

Walker was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Packers. He has worked his way into being the starting left tackle, protecting the blind side of Jordan Love. Last year, he won the job over Jordan Morgan, who is now expected to step in for Walker once he signs elsewhere.

Spotrac has Walker’s AAV projected at $20 million. There are plenty of teams that could use a capable left tackle. The Chiefs, Texans, and Bengals all come to mind as teams that could use help up front.

Prediction: Signs with Texans

2. David Edwards – G

The Bills are looking down the barrel of losing two of their interior offensive linemen. The first being their starting left guard, David Edwards. Should the Bills not be able to work out a deal with him and Connor McGovern, their offensive line is going to need to be addressed this year as well.

Edwards was originally drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed with the Bills in 2023 for a one-year contract. He played well enough to earn a contract extension in 2024. Now, he is set to be one of the higher paid guards in free agency.

He is projected to earn just under $20 million per year in his new deal. There is always a chance that the Bills apply the franchise tag or work out a deal with Edwards to retain his services. He has been tied to the Lions as a potential landing spot as they are trying to rebuild their offensive line.

Prediction: Signs with Lions

3. Tyler Linderbaum – C

Linderbaum is setting himself up to be one of the higher paid centers in the league. He finds himself as the top free agent Center this year and teams are already getting ready to over bid for him. Considering that he is only 25 years old and has shown promise early in his career, I would expect the Ravens to re-sign him instead of letting him walk.

Linderbaum was drafted in the first round by the Ravens in 2022. Since being drafted, he has started all but 2 games in his first four years. Ravens’ fans seem to be split on his capabilities, but it seems like the Ravens value him much more than the average fan.

Spotrac is projecting that Linderbaum is going to earn an AAV of $17 million this year. However, there are already reports straight from Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta, that they are prepared to offer him a “market-setting” extension. The other landing place for Tyler would be the New York Giants as that is where John Harbaugh moved.

Prediction: Re-signs with Ravens

4. Braden Smith – RT

Braden Smith of the Colts is set to cash in on his third NFL contract. Smith has spent the entirety of his career with the Colts so far. He is projected to be the highest paid Right Tackle during free agency.

Smith has bene a staple for the Colts on the right side of the line since being drafted in 2018. Over the last few years, he has missed a few games due to injury. Last year, he missed the latter part of the year, which opened the door to Jalen Travis starting at right tackle. Either the Colts will try to bring Smith back or will move forward with Travis.

Spotrac is projecting that Smith is going to get a contract averaging $13 million. He has been a solid starter for the Colts but teams often move on from stability when they believe that they can’t afford the player, can replace the player, or the player has had a history of injuries. Unfortunately, all three might be on the table. That being said, there would be plenty of teams that would jump at the chance to sign a tackle with Smith’s expereince.

Prediction: Signs with Lions

5. Connor McGovern – C

The second of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive linemen that is set to hit free agency will be their center. Connor McGovern looks like he is going to be a cap casualty for the Bills this offseason. The Bills are currently $15 million over the cap so they are definitely not in the best position to pay everyone.

McGovern was originally a 3rd round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2019. He signed as a guard with the Bills in 2023. He started at left guard for all 17 games. In 2024, he made the switch to center. He has been a reliable and versatile linemen for Bills and should be highly valued on the open market.

He is projected to earn $17 million AAV on the open market. If he is allowed to hit the market by the Bills. he should be on top of the list for any team requiring interior offensive line upgrades. The Giants could be potential suitors as they are trying to upgrade their center and right guard positions. The Lions should be in play as well. If Linderbaum leaves the Ravens, I would expect Baltimore to make a push. Looking at the teams with the most cap space and young quarterbacks, the Raiders should make signing McGovern their priority.

Prediction: Signs with Raiders