Free Agency Primer: Offensive Tackles
By Jay Evans
February 20, 2020
When free agency begins in mid-March, the offensive tackle class is unlikely to entertain a record-breaking contract, as many of the prospects are over-the-hill and tragically flawed, but there are some intriguing prospects capable of making an impact for the Redskins.
Currently under contract for the Redskins for the 2020 season are Trent Williams (yes, he is on the roster!), Morgan Moses, Geron Christian, Timon Parris, and Paul Adams. The Redskins are likely to add at least one name to this list via the draft or by way of free agency.
Moses has been a mainstay at right tackle since the 2015 season. Initially viewed as a draft gem found in the third-round from the University of Virginia, the right tackle has struggled the past few seasons with nagging injuries and incessant penalties, and failed to elevate the overall play of a bad offense. Still, at 28-years old with an 8.65-million cap number, his contract and play aren’t prohibitive enough to necessarily move on from, and he likely returns for his sixth season in Washington.
Geron Christian was drafted in the third-round of the 2018 NFL draft out of Louisville. The athletic tackle was immediately viewed as a reach, but one who could serve as a swing tackle for the Redskins. Christian hasn’t made the necessary improvements to be relied upon as an every day starter, but he will turn 24 at the start of the 2020 season and is entering a pivotal third year. Parris and Adams are camp bodies and at the moment are nothing more than practice squad level talents.
Trent Williams’ status for the 2020 season is still unknown, which leaves the Redskins in a desperate situation entering the season with no viable starting left tackle on the roster. Last August, the Redskins inked Donald Penn weeks before the season began as the Williams situation became clearly untenable.
In Carolina, Ron Rivera struggled to replace Jordan Gross following his abrupt retirement in 2014. After experiencing a swinging door policy at the position for the past five seasons the head coach has to recognize the priority of answering the glaring question facing the Redskins along the line. While there may not be a long-term solution in free agency, one of the players below may be capable of providing a stopgap.
Donald Penn
Penn performed admirably for the Redskins for the entire season, but at age 37 time is advancing against him. Much like last year, he is once again a free agent and may not find a home until late in the offseason. Penn’s best days are behind him, but the stout tackle is an experienced over-achiever who has missed few games to injury. Another one year contract in the $6M – 8M range might be enough to retain his services.
Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers
The former first-round pick out of Iowa will turn 31 this offseason and has developed into a solid right tackle option for the Green Bay Packers. Bulaga has dealt with significant injury issues throughout his career, missing time due to hip and multiple ACL injuries. Last season he ranked 17th in PFF’s pass blocking efficiency and played on an under-market deal at $6.75M, which ranked 11th in the league for right tackles. It’s not clear whether Bulaga will return to Green Bay on a team friendly deal, but he may not be as driven by a huge contract. He could be a bargain for under $9 million a year.
Greg Robinson, Cleveland Browns
The reclamation project conducted by the Redskins, turning former top 10 bust Ereck Flowers into a proficient NFL player, was one of the biggest surprises league wide last season. Could Robinson follow a similar path? Robinson, who was selected second overall by the Rams with a pick acquired in the Robert Griffin III trade, was hailed for his impressive athleticism and lack of technical abilities during the 2011 draft process. It came as no surprise when Robinson struggled early, but in the past two years the 27 year old has begun to turn the proverbial corner in his career. He’s an intriguing option who should command 9-10 million a year. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Robinson was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol yesterday and charged with possession of 156.9 lbs of marijuana with intent to distribute. This will ruin his free agency.]
Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts
Castonzo is one of the rare left tackles entering free agency on a professional high note. The former first-round pick is coming off an impressive year, and the Colts’ top priority should be to retain him. Castonzo, who will turn 32 before the start of next season, ranked seventh out of 101 qualifying tackles in Pro Football Focus’ grading. Castonzo also has experienced few injuries in his nine-year career. He’s coming off a contract that paid him an average of $10.5M and will look to cash in on his last notable NFL deal. He should garner a considerably larger offer this time, possibly in the top 5 at his position averaging over $15M.
Jack Conklin, Tennessee Titans
After being limited to only nine games in 2018, Conklin is entering free agency after paving the way for 2019’s league leading rusher, Derrick Henry, and will only be 26 next season. Conklin ranked 14th among tackles in PFF’s grading, indicating he is back at or near the peak of his powers. He is likely to stay in Tennessee, but if he is available, he will likely command a massive contract and be among the top paid in the league. He could be in the same range as Lane Johnson’s contract at around $17M per year.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Philadelphia Eagles
“Big V” has seen playing time at both tackle spots over the past few years due to the reoccurring injuries suffered by starting tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson. Peters recently turned 38 and is also a free agent, but did return to the starting lineup and seems to be leaning towards returning for one more season. If the Eagles choose to move on from Peters, their first move could likely be to re-sign Vaitai. The swing tackle will turn 27 in June and will look to capitalize on the dearth of quality tackles in free agency. The former fifth-round pick out of TCU might receive an initially eye-popping offer, but he can provide immense upside to a team with holes at multiple parts along the line. The flexibility Vaitai provides could command a contract in the range of $10-12M per year.
Kelvin Beachum, New York Jets
Beachum is likely to benefit from the thin herd of talent at the tackle position in free agency. He will turn 31 next season and played on one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, but left tackles are rare on the open market and at his age he will still be serviceable for the next few seasons. The lack of starting quality tackles available who are capable of helping a tackle-desperate team likely lands Beachum a $10M per year contract.
Sleeper Candidate: LaAdrian Waddle, Buffalo Bills
There may be no sneakier pick-up during the free agency period than whoever signs Waddle. The former undrafted tackle initially broke into the NFL with the Detroit Lions where he started 24 games from 2013-15 before landing in the Bill Belichick machine in New England. While a member of the Patriots, Waddle won two championships and carved out a niche as a valuable spot starter who could play in a pinch at a number of spots along the line. Unfortunately, a one year “bet on yourself” deal came to an early end in Buffalo after Waddle tore his quad last August. A modest $2M to $3M investment could bring in the heady veteran who will be 29 at the start of the 2020 season.