Free Agent Offensive Linemen
Follow the author: @CST_Max_Gold
Paying offensive linemen is becoming a popular trend among NFL teams. The Minnesota Vikings are dishing out $11.55 million annually for Alex Boone and Brandon Fisco. The Oakland Raiders are paying a whopping $20.6 million to Kelechi Osemele and Rodney Hudson. The Cleveland Browns must follow this trend and replace the talent of Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz.
Currently, Joe Thomas is securing the left tackle position. I don’t see him leaving, make him a Brown for life. Alvin Bailey is at left guard, but Joel Bitonio will regain his spot when healthy next year. Center is up in the air with Cameron Erving not impressing me. Our right guard, Jonathan Cooper, is a free agent and John Greco would also return from injury. A nine-year vet who still has some good years ahead. At right tackle, you have Austin Pasztor who is set to become a free agent as well.
Here are some players who Cleveland could target:
Riley Reiff, DET, RT
The five-year veteran has played left tackle until making the switch to the right side this year. He put in a bunch of extra time in the film and weight room to make the switch. He is talented, durable and ranked in the top-13 in the league with six sacks and 38 hurries allowed in 2015.
Ricky Wagner, BAL, RT
He was drafted in 2013 and named the starter before the 2014 campaign. Wagner quickly backed one of the top right tackles only allowing two sacks before a foot injury cut his season short. He hit a sophomore slump in 2015 while dealing with the lingering effects of his injury and a new offensive coordinator, but he can still play at a high level. He is also a great run blocker who we can steal away from a division rival.
Another player to steal from within the division. Zeitler is a great pass blocker who is durable too. He has played 800+ snaps in each of the last four years and is the only right guard to pass block 500 times and not surrender a sack in 2015. He has improved his run blocking over the years, too.
Ronald Leary, DAL, LG
He is a quality starter that was a part of Dallas’ great o-line until last year. He suffered a groin injury and lost his job to La’el Collins. Leary has been plugged in and out of the lineup so he doesn’t have much wear on him. Not to mention, the 27-year-old might like a starting gig elsewhere.
Brian Schwenke, TEN, C
He was drafted in 2013 in the fourth round but became the starter by Week 7. He started 12 games in 2014 and six in 2015 before his seasons were shortened by injury. Schwenke lost his job when Tennessee signed Ben Jones to play center. However, he has played in all 14 games at either center or guard, a position he played for three years in college.
Follow the author: @CST_Max_Gold
Photos: ESPN, NFL.com, FOX
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