jimn06 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Ruben Brown, UFA, Chicago BearsAn aging veteran, Brown has a lot of experience opening holes for backs and allowing time for passers. He s a solid guard who holds down his position quite well. If he decides to stick around, he may have a couple of good seasons left. Teams won t line up to sign him, but there should be a handful that show interest. Alan Faneca, UFA, Pittsburgh SteelersFaneca seems to be the most likely of this group to leave his current team. Rumors suggest that he plans on leaving after the season and contract extension talks have gone nowhere. Faneca is a quality guard who has started in five Pro Bowls and been selected as a first team All-Pro five times as well. He also still has some prime seasons of his career remaining. Faneca will receive the most interest at his position, could be the most coveted offensive linemen after the season, and should also be one of the most coveted players available in all of the NFL. Flozell Adams, UFA, Dallas CowboysA veteran left tackle, Adams should hit the market and receive decent interest. A second-round pick in 1998, Adams has developed into one of the league s better offensive linemen. His size, experience, and performance will lure teams into making a considerable offer for his services. The Cowboys are developing young talent behind him, and depending on how that youth pans out the rest of the season, the team could allow him to leave in favor of saving some money. Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina PanthersWith Gross contract voiding at season s end, the Panthers will need to increase his salary in order to keep him around. The ownership seems to agree that he deserves a pay raise, and the team appears to want to keep him around as their starting right tackle. A former first-round selection who has played well, Gross will be looking for a considerably larger check come next season. Ryan Lilja, UFA, Indianapolis ColtsA quality guard, Lilja is relatively young and has a Super Bowl ring to call his own. The Colts will do well to sign him to an extension, but there s a chance that Lilja tests the market. In reality, the system that Lilja plays within is a nice fit, and he gets to protect Peyton Manning, so he could easily stay. Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh SteelersStarks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He s 25 and is listed at 6 7 while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field. Floyd Womack, UFA, Seattle SeahawksA big, experienced guard, Womack could get a decent offer from any team missing out on a top tier target like Faneca. If Womack isn t the outright starter in Seattle this season, look for him to find work elsewhere with an expanded role guaranteed. Jake Scott, UFA, Indianapolis ColtsScott is the starting right guard for one of the top offensive line units in the entire NFL, and his ability to help protect Peyton Manning should equate to a nice contract number. Indianapolis has found a way to retain most of their line talent in recent seasons, and it should come as no surprise if Scott is locked into a long-term deal in the near future. Todd Steussie UFA St. Louis RamsSteussie has been a solid offensive tackle for several years, but he was placed on injured reserve earlier this season because of a foot injury. He s approaching forty years of age, but he may still have a good season or two in him. He should receive some attention as a free agent simply because of his experience and the position he plays. Travelle Wharton UFA Carolina PanthersA late third-round selection in 2004, Wharton has developed into a solid starting left tackle. He has been a key reason for the successes that the Panthers have had, and his absence in 2006 was a key reason for the team s struggles. Wharton s rookie contract will expire at season s end, and his value on the market should be fairly strong. A quality left tackle is hard to find, and team s looking to bolster an offensive line will have to consider Wharton. Carolina will likely make every effort to work out an extension. Other Free Agent Offensive LinemenOG P.J. Alexander UFA Atlanta FalconsOT Nat Dorsey UFA Cleveland Browns OT Trai Essex RFA Pittsburgh Steelers OG Chris Kemoeatu RFA Pittsburgh Steelers OT Cory Lekkerkerker RFA San Diego Chargers OT Sean Locklear UFA Seattle Seahawks OG Brian Rimpf RFA Baltimore RavensOG Keydrick Vincent UFA Baltimore Ravens OG Fred Weary UFA Houston Texans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlfalcon2184 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I like Nat Dorsey, mainly because he shouldn't cost too much. I don't want us throwing a ton of money at a 30+ year old O-lineman. I'd rather just build the line through the draft at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoned_jc7 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I wouldn't mind them spending a little money on a veteran guy. This isn't a position like RB. These big guys usually can last into their late 30's if they were any good to start with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankthetank966 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 If we can buy one of the elite OL Free Agents then we will be in much better shape going into the draft. Faneca seems like a good fit. We should throw tons of money @ him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlfalcon2184 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 stoned_jc7 (1/3/2008)I wouldn't mind them spending a little money on a veteran guy. This isn't a position like RB. These big guys usually can last into their late 30's if they were any good to start with. A little money is fine, just not Steve Hutchinson type money. I think some of these guys(mainly Faneca) are going to command a good bit of money. I'm all for picking up 1 or 2 of these guys if the price is right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoned_jc7 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Yeah, Faneca is probably the class of the list. He will demand more money than the falcons are willing to part with.It sure would be nice to have some of that Vick money in our pocket the next few years.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimn06 Posted January 4, 2008 Author Share Posted January 4, 2008 i definately agreei think we need to fill the LT position with a free agent as to not put two young players next to each other with Blaylock at LG. McClure will probably remain at centerNow depending on the health of Forney or Weiner, either one or both the RG and RT positions should be filled through the draft with both of the pics being 2-4 rounders, we dont need to draft a lineman any lower than that as we have enough project o-linemen on the roster who are being groomed, whoever we draft needs to be ready to play right away or we might as well not waste a pick on them. At worst they could push the veterans ahead of them if they are healthy enough to return. Good competition will do the O-Line good.so we should look something like:RT-Weiner/Draft PickRG- Forney/Draft PickC- McClureLG- BlaylockLT- Vet Free Agent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcons4life Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh SteelersStarks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He s 25 and is listed at 6 7 while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field. Here is a guy we can sign to a LONG term deal. Young and massive....how do you go wrong with that?His youth is what intrigues me most. Many of the other guys while All-Pro's are long in the tooth.Granted Faneca and Flozell are some fine players its a question of how much cap room we have to attack free agency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhourk Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 frankthetank966 (1/3/2008)If we can buy one of the elite OL Free Agents then we will be in much better shape going into the draft. Faneca seems like a good fit. We should throw tons of money @ him.Oh God Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjc34 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 atlfalcon2184 (1/3/2008)I like Nat Dorsey, mainly because he shouldn't cost too much. I don't want us throwing a ton of money at a 30+ year old O-lineman. I'd rather just build the line through the draft at this point.i agree, we are not one good lineman away from the playoffs!! imo it would be best to build this baby from the ground up by drafting lineman to be here for years and grow together as a line:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989Fan Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 the guys I would be after:Andrews, OG/OT, CINSmiley, OG, SFGross, OT, CARDorsey, OT, CLEMcKinney, OG, CLELocklear, OT, SEA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defensedefensedefense Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 1989fan (1/4/2008)the guys I would be after:Andrews, OG/OT, CINSmiley, OG, SFGross, OT, CARDorsey, OT, CLEMcKinley, OG, CLELocklear, OT, SEAThats a pretty good list you got there 89... We are pretty much on the same page when it comes to FA offensive lineman. Andrews and Gross would be the first 2 i would try and lock onto, but i wouldnt be upset with Smiley and Dorsey/Locklear... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g6773a Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 falcons4life (1/4/2008)Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh SteelersStarks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He s 25 and is listed at 6 7 while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field. Here is a guy we can sign to a LONG term deal. Young and massive....how do you go wrong with that?His youth is what intrigues me most. Many of the other guys while All-Pro's are long in the tooth.Granted Faneca and Flozell are some fine players its a question of how much cap room we have to attack free agency.Young, massive, and soft as a teddy bear! What a magic combination! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Offseason Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 falcons4life (1/4/2008)Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh SteelersStarks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He s 25 and is listed at 6 7 while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field. Here is a guy we can sign to a LONG term deal. Young and massive....how do you go wrong with that?His youth is what intrigues me most. Many of the other guys while All-Pro's are long in the tooth.Granted Faneca and Flozell are some fine players its a question of how much cap room we have to attack free agency.this is hilarious. the problem with this guy is that he is not even starting!! he is a backup on pitt and he is going to leave because hes not good enough to start, but some stupid team is going to give him lots of $$$$ because they like his youth and bulk, when neither of those attributes have anything to do with being a succesful RT in the NFL.good post, NOT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Offseason Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 1989fan (1/4/2008)the guys I would be after:Andrews, OG/OT, CINSmiley, OG, SFGross, OT, CARDorsey, OT, CLEMcKinney, OG, CLELocklear, OT, SEAnice nice list. id love andrews for the OG position, and if we managed to get say, Ryan Clady at LT, added Nat Dorsey, and Andrews, wed have:LT- Clady/DorseyLG- BlalockC- McClure (grr...)RG- AndrewsRT- Weiner/Dorseysounds pretty good to me. if we cut forney and weiner it would be wise to replace one of them with a fa. andrews would be my 1st choice for the RG position. dorsey could play RT as a starter if we needed him too.that would be a much better offensive line than we have had in a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSalmon Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Flozell all the way. Instant upgrade. BTW the over 30 is not a huge detractor w/ OL who routinely play until late 30s early 40s. He'll cost but he'll also make us competitiveI see the Dolphins going after him hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atl_Takeover Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I want Flozell Adams I know its highly possible that he signs back with the Cowboys and he is also 32 but I know he atleast has 3 or 4 more years left in the tank so this would give us time to develope a youngster to come inn and takeover when he call it quits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSalmon Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Atl_Takeover (1/4/2008)I want Flozell Adams I know its highly possible that he signs back with the Cowboys and he is also 32 but I know he atleast has 3 or 4 more years left in the tank so this would give us time to develope a youngster to come inn and takeover when he call it quits.I'm not sure the cowboys resign him because they have Pat McQuistan, Doug Free and James Marteen who can compete for the LT spot. All were highly rated OTs coming into the draft. Plus they have to resign Barber, Jones (i think he'll walk) and Hamlin. I figure Barber is a priority even if they enter the McFadden sweepstakes.Speaking of McFadden i don't think the cowpokes trade up. To be honest, if they sit tight they can draft Felix Jones --another speedster who'll compliment barber just as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayoh Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Wharton is an interesting prospect, but isn't he the one that Abe dominated last year in the season opener? ****, with enough practice against Abe, he might get really good for us if we can get him. I'd rather have a vet LT from FA than have to rely on one from the draft, especially with the best overall LT in the draft being Ryan Clady out of BSU. It's too risky. I'd definitely take a look at Wharton if his only problem is the first one that would get solved; speed rushers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuccah Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I would like to make a run at Jordan Gross. Weiner would do fine as a LT (he used to be one, we moved him to Right to protect Vick).Although 7m/year like the linemen got last year is a bit nuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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