MORE 2009 FREE AGENCY INFORMATION
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Offensive Tackles Who Should Get Starter Consideration
Jordan Gross/Carolina Panthers/LT/UFA - He's also capable of playing right
tackle, but the sixth-year pro will make big money as a left tackle. Carolina
has a tough decision coming up. Do they use their franchise tag on Gross or DE
Julius Peppers?
Marvel Smith/Pittsburgh Steelers/LT/UFA - The talent blind side protector is
having back problems which could prevent him from getting a huge free agent
deal. Still, if his back issues are resolved satisfactorily, he'll be able to
yield a good enough contract offer.
Stacy Andrews/Cincinnati Bengals/UFA - The talented offensive lineman
suffered a serious knee injury this season and likely will sign modest
short-term contract until he can prove he's back to where he was before the
injury. He also fits in at right tackle.
Mark Tauscher/Green Bay Packers/RT/UFA - Tauscher is one of the more underrated
right side offensive lineman in the league. While he turns 31 in June, he still
should have at least three to four solid years left in him.
Jon Runyan/Philadelphia Eagles/RT/UFA - This mauling type of lineman is nearing
the end of a solid 13-year career. Despite playing in a passing offense, Runyan
actually may be a better fit for a team that uses a power running game.
Tra Thomas/Philadelphia Eagles/LT/UFA - The 11-year pro isn't a dominant player,
but he still could give a team a few good years. Thomas probably fits in well
with a team that has a predominantly passing offense.
Willie Colon/Pittsburgh Steelers/RT/RFA - Some feel he's better off inside at
guard, but Colon has improved steadily at right tackle. It will be interesting
to see at what level the team tenders the former fourth-round pick at.
Vernon Carey/Miami Dolphins/RT/UFA - He's played the right and left sides of the
offensive line over his five years of play. The former first-round pick isn't
likely to get a huge free agent deal, but he'll likely yield a decent contract
because of his versatility.
Tyson Clabo/Atlanta Falcons/RT/RFA - The former undrafted free agent has shown
improvement over the last few seasons and is having a good year. The team
probably will use at least a third-round tender on him.
Mark Colombo/Dallas Cowboys/RT/UFA - The former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears out of the 2002 draft has revived his career with Dallas. He should be
able to receive at least a modest free agent deal.
Khalif Barnes/Jacksonville Jaguars/LT/UFA - The talented former second-round
pick's play has leveled off a bit this season. Even so, he's only 26 years old and his best days could be ahead of him. It may just be that he needs a change of scenery.
Jon Stinchcomb/New Orleans Saints/RT/UFA - The younger brother of former NFL
offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb had big injury problems in the first three
seasons of his six-year career, but he hasn't missed a game since 2005. The
former second-round pick turns 30 in August, but should yield a decent free
agent deal.
Others Who Could Find Interest For Backup Purposes
Charles Spencer/Jacksonville Jaguars/LT/RFA - The former third-round
pick of the Houston Texans is finally over the broken leg he suffered during his
rookie season in 2006. The talented offensive lineman fits in at left tackle or
left guard.
Max Starks/Pittsburgh Steelers/RT/UFA - The Steelers surprisingly used
their transition tag for a player who wound up being a backup. Still, Starks
showed some versatility this season while playing left tackle this season.
Scouts say he's much better off on the right side, however.
George Foster/Detroit Lions/RT/UFA - The former first-round pick of the
Denver Broncos offers a team the ability to be a fill-in starter if needed.
Adam Goldberg/St. Louis Rams/RT-LT/UFA - His versatility helps. Goldberg
has proven to be a solid backup for the past three seasons.
Trai Essex/Pittsburgh Steelers/LT-RT/UFA - He's capable of offering a
team reserve help at left or right tackle.
Frank Omiyale/Carolina Panthers/RT-LT/UFA - He did a solid job of filling
for LT Jordan Gross earlier this season. The former fifth-round pick of the
Atlanta Falcons is capable of playing right or left tackle.