Position scarcity is real in the NFL. While wide receivers are valuable, it’s much more difficult to find playable offensive linemen, and without them, an offense simply cannot operate. In free agency, it’s frequent to see teams trying to rebuild their trenches with veterans, and it usually backfires.
This year has some viable options, but the tackle market is weak—especially if the Baltimore Ravens is able to lock Ronnie Stanley up before he reaches the open market.
This is the fifth installment of our series of the best available free agents, after quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
Stanley had suffered with injuries over the past few seasons, but 2024 was a recovery year to show what he can still do. Last season, he was a passable run blocker, but his calling card is his ability to pass block. With a 96.5% pass block efficiency, he allowed 35 pressures and two sacks.
Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings
It seems like Robinson is always looking for a contract, doesn’t it? He received two franchise tags from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and 2022, and in the second one he reached a three-year extension. So last year was his last on the deal, motivating the Jags to trade him ahead of the deadline to the Minnesota Vikings. He is an average starter, which certainly has value in free agency because those are hard to find.
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Tyron Smith, New York Jets
Yes, Tyron Smith is 34. But last year, he was still a positive starter in a bad situation for the Jets. The veteran was 30th amongst tackles in PFF grade, which puts him as an average starter. The best part is the balance, as he’s solid both in the pass and run game. Tackles tend to age just fine barring injuries, and injuries have been a problem for him. But when Smith is available, he is still a really good player.
Morgan Moses, New York Jets
The other Jets tackle is also a free agent. Moses is truly solid, and he showed it for the Baltimore Ravens and for the Jets. With a 97.9 efficiency, he gave up only 16 pressures the entire season—and we know that blocking for Aaron Rodgers, who tends to hold the ball a lot, is a big challenge.
Cornelius Lucas, Washington Commanders
Based on talent, it’s hard to find a unit that overachieved as much as the Commanders offensive line in 2024. And Lucas is a representation of that outcome. Not that he was brilliant, but Lucas was a good pass blocker and solid run blocker. He showed some versatility too, playing 318 snaps at left tackle and 139 at right tackle, plus seven as a sixth offensive lineman.
Other options: Joseph Noteboom, Jedrick Wills, Kendall Lamm, DJ Humphries, Josh Jones, Andre Dillard, Larry Borom
