NFL Top Free Agent Offensive Lineman

Article ByKyle Garlett

February 22, 2024

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Posted in: US Sports Betting News, US Gambling News

They don’t get much of the glory. But everyone who plays football will tell you that it doesn’t matter how good your skill players are if you have problems with the five guys tasked with blocking for them.

These aren’t the headlining free agents in 2024, like Kirk Cousins at quarterback and possibly Tee Higgins at wide receiver. But the men listed below can make all the difference over the course of 17 games.

Tyron Smith – Tackle

Tyron Smith was a bargain for the Dallas Cowboys, and his play at left tackle is a big reason why the Cowboys had the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL. He’s always been a Cowboy, and there is the thought that even though they made him sign a prove-it deal for 2023 after playing in just four games in 2022, he’s likely to stay.

But there are teams like the Kansas City Chiefs who need tackle help, and can dangle the possibility of playing for a Super Bowl. 

NFL online sportsbooks have the Chiefs at +650 to win the Super Bowl next season, with the Cowboys at +2000. Maybe that’s in the back of Smith’s mind.

Trent Brown – Tackle

Trent Brown is a versatile tackle who is great in pass blocking. His run blocking is more specialized, so he’s not a good fit for every team there. He’s also had interesting clauses in his contract over the years, like making weight bonuses. 

Brown won a Super Bowl at left tackle during his first stint with the New England Patriots, and as he possibly changes teams now for the fourth time, there are questions. But he is still only 30, and he is the second-best tackle available in free agency.

Kevin Dotson – Guard

Guard Kevin Dotson was a big reason why running back Kyren Williams was such a breakout for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. NFL online sportsbooks have Williams as the sixth betting favorite to win the Offensive Player of the Year award next year because of his great season. Assist to Dotson for that.

Dotson is only 27, he’s now thought of as one of the best interior run blockers in football, and he should get a really nice payday this off-season. After making $2.25 million last year, Spotrac.com projects his current market value to be four years and $65.9 million.

Robert Hunt – Guard

The Miami Dolphins experimented with Robert Hunt at tackle when he was a rookie, but his home long-term is at guard. He’s developed into a very good run blocker, and was an important cog in the Dolphins explosive run this past season. Miami wants to keep him, but the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly also interested.

He’s going to get paid wherever he goes. But Florida retail sportsbooks have the Dolphins at +1700 to win the Super Bowl vs. +550 for the 49ers.

He is from Texas and played at Louisiana, so wanting to stick in the South may be what tips the scales for Miami.

Mekhi Becton – Tackle

New York online sportsbooks have the New York Jets at +1400 to win the AFC in 2024. But each new season with the Jets, we are told “this is the year,” and it never comes to fruition.

No one exemplifies the disappointment for Jets fans better than Mekhi Becton. He was the 11th overall pick after a stellar college career at Louisville. He is huge at 6-foot-7, 364 pounds, and he is athletic. And yet he continues to fall short of expectations, even as those expectations drop.

He played more snaps in 2023 than he did in his first three seasons combined, and because of his pedigree, someone will give him a chance. A new start may be exactly what he needs.

Jonah Williams – Tackle

A year ago, Jonah Williams was asking the Cincinnati Bengals for a trade. He did not like the signing of Orlando Brown Jr., which moved Williams from left tackle to right tackle. He ended up sticking with the Bengals all of last year, and he now takes versatility to the free agent market.

Ohio online sportsbooks have the Bengals as the heavy favorite to keep wide receiver Tee Higgins, which means that the Bengals may have a hard time affording Williams, their former first round pick.

The Patriots are thought of as a good possible fit, as are the Pittsburgh Steelers.