Offensive Line Free Agency Preview

The Washington Redskins had a surprisingly solid season from their offensive line in 2016; however, as they hit the second half of the season, injuries to the starting five and the four-game suspension to pro bowl tackle Trent Williams highlighted that unit’s biggest deficiency. The left guard play became a big issue. Shawn Lauvao’s play declined since returning from the bye week, thus creating room for a potential replacement. If the team decides to replace him, there are 4 solid options that may be available in free agency for the Redskins to choose from. If they want to just bring in some competition for Lauvao, there are two options for that role as well. If room is made for either the high end or affordable guard(s),then the Redskins can cut bait with Shawn, who holds just a very small penalty if cut, to make room for the new guy. All calculated market values provided by spotrac.com.
High End Offensive Guards

Green Bay Packers Guard, T.J. Lang, 29 years old. Estimated $8.4 million annual salary. Packers seem content to let him test the market. With his estimated price tag they may just have absolutely no intention on keeping him at all; injuries hurt Lang somewhat but can be a solid pickup.

Green Bay Packers Guard, J.C. Tretter, 26 years old. Estimated $8.7 million annual salary. Tretter was a solid combo lineman for the Packers. He played both center and guard for them. Depending on where Long is in the eyes of Gruden, he may feel Tretter is that guy who can solidify this offensive line at either position.

Dallas Cowboys Guard, Ronald Leary, 27 years old. Estimated $9.1 million annual salary. Struggled with pass protection, but with the help to his left in Trent Williams he may be a solid fit here as he is a strong presence in the running game.

Cincinnati Bengals Guard, Kevin Zeitler, 26 years old. Estimated $11.6 million annual salary. The highest priced of the group, Zeitler would be the prize of the OL group in free agency in most eyes. I’m not here to say the team should break the bank on an offensive lineman; however, Zeitler was with Gruden for 2 seasons before Gruden went to Washington.

Affordable Starting Guards

Detroit Lions Guard, Larry Warford, 25 years old. Estimated $6.2 million annual salary. Like T.J. Lang, Warford will test the market. Wasn’t spectacular in Detroit but was solid.

Acquisitions to compete for starting job

Jacksonville Jaguars Guard, Luke Joeckel, 25 years old. Estimated $1.8 million annual salary. Joeckel had a stunted background in Jacksonville, only finishing a full 16 game season once in 2014. In 2016 he only played 4 games before ending his season on injured reserve. He can sign for a 2 year deal to give Shaun some added competition.

Tennessee Titans Guard, Chance Warmack, 25 years old. There was no value given for Warmack via spotrac, but Warmack is in the same position as Joeckel, as he was an inconsistent guy in Tennessee. Because both are at a good age to redeem their careers and solidify themselves, they may have many suitors. Warmack can bring in some competition for Shaun as well in an attempt to solidify the guard position.

 

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